{
  "id": 7638553,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T21:46:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/messi-returns-to-argentina-squad-for-final-farewell-against-benin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for a farewell international match, marking the end of his national team career. Argentina captain Messi is set to play against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, according to Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia. Tapia expressed his delight at the opportunity to honor the world's best player in a farewell game for the Argentine fans. The match will follow Argentina's upcoming international fixtures against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Messi, aged 39, had previously announced his intention to retire from international football after Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which ended their quest to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Throughout his illustrious career, Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. Following his retirement, Argentina will begin a farewell era with three friendlies, including the aforementioned match against Benin.",
  "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": [],
  "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",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:28:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "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."
}