{
  "id": 7636774,
  "title": "Messi set for Argentina farewell in Benin friendly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/messi-set-for-argentina-farewell-in-benin-friendly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T21:21:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/argentina-begin-life-messi-bolivia-200910421.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's squad for an upcoming friendly match against Benin on October 6, marking his farewell appearance after announcing his international retirement. The 39-year-old Argentine legend played his 208th and final match for the national team, a record for all-time goals scored. Messi's retirement follows a successful two-decade career, including World Cup and Copa America triumphs in 2022 and 2024. Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia praised Messi, calling him the best player in the world and the symbol of the national team. The match will be held at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina will play three friendlies ahead of the Benin match, against Bolivia on September 30, and Burkina Faso on October 3. FIFA has imposed a capacity reduction for Argentina's next home match due to disciplinary breaches.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi was on Tuesday named in Argentina's squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, a match that will serve as his farewell appearance after announcing his international retirement last month.Messi has been included in the squad for the third match against Benin, when he is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for the national team.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi named in Argentina's squad for Benin friendly on October 6.",
    "Messi's 208th and final match for national team marks farewell.",
    "Argentina FA president praises Messi as best player in world."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}