{
  "id": 7995370,
  "title": "Messi to face Benin in farewell game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/messi-to-face-benin-in-farewell-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T09:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/messi-to-face-benin-in-farewell-game/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina has announced Lionel Messi for a friendly match against Benin in October, which is expected to be his final appearance for the national team. The 39-year-old forward disclosed his retirement from international football in August, following Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and his father's death. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory, expressed deep sorrow over his decision but claimed he had given his best effort, with nothing more to contribute. As the World Cup winners, Argentina's 2022 champions are also invited to attend the match. The game, scheduled for October 6, will be held at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with a 50% capacity due to FIFA disciplinary sanctions imposed on Argentina for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants by supporters during the 2022 World Cup.",
  "summary": "Argentina have named Lionel Messi in their squad for a friendly against Benin in October in a match which is set to be the forward’s farewell to international football. Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty in August in the wake of his country’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and after … The post Messi to face Benin in farewell game appeared first on Ghanaian Times .",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi to play against Benin in October",
    "Final appearance for Argentina's national team",
    "Match scheduled for October 6 at Estadio Monumental"
  ],
  "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."
}