{
  "id": 7635913,
  "title": "Messi returns to Argentina squad for final farewell against Benin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-returns-to-argentina-squad-for-final-farewell-against-benin",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T21:28:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/messi-returns-to-argentina-squad-for-final-farewell-against-benin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has been selected for Argentina's farewell match against Benin, marking the end of his international career. The Argentina captain will face the West African nation at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, as confirmed by Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia. Tapia expressed that the match would provide Messi with a well-deserved farewell in front of the home crowd. Argentina's squad will consist of three friendlies during the September-October international window, including games against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 before the final showdown with Benin. The October 6 fixture is anticipated as Messi's last opportunity to represent Argentina in front of his home supporters and officially conclude his international career.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a final farewell match against Benin on October 6, marking the end of his international career. Read More: https://punchng.com/messi-returns-to-argentina-squad-for-final-farewell-against-benin/",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi selected for Argentina's farewell match against Benin",
    "Argentina captain Messi to play in Estadio Monumental on October 6",
    "Argentina's squad includes three friendlies before Benin match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Messi called up by Argentina for farewell appearance following international retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-called-up-by-argentina-for-farewell-appearance-following",
        "published": "2026-09-15T20:18:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "One last goodbye: Lionel Messi agrees to play for Argentina one more time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/one-last-goodbye-lionel-messi-agrees-to-play-for-argentina-one-more",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:12:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Messi returns to Argentina squad for final farewell against Benin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-returns-to-argentina-squad-for-final-farewell-against-benin-7638553",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:46:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Messi offered farewell by Argentina after international retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-offered-farewell-by-argentina-after-international-retirement",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:50:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Messi called up by Argentina to make farewell appearance following international retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-called-up-by-argentina-to-make-farewell-appearance-following-7645971",
        "published": "2026-09-15T22:00:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Lionel Messi will bid farewell to the Argentine national team with a match in Buenos Aires: “The last tango of the world's best player”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/lionel-messi-se-despedira-de-la-seleccion-argentina-con-un-partido-en",
        "published": "2026-09-15T22:47:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}