{
  "id": 9740310,
  "title": "How I convinced Messi to return for farewell match — Scaloni",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-for-farewell-match-scaloni",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T09:32:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-for-farewell-match-scaloni/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has shared his perspective on persuading Lionel Messi to participate in the country's farewell match following the striker's retirement from international football. According to a report by Reuters, Scaloni played a significant role in the Argentine star's decision to return, with the support of the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).\n\nScaloni expressed his satisfaction with Messi's choice to take part in the match, emphasizing that a player of his caliber deserved a proper tribute from Argentina supporters. \"I think a player like him deserves this,\" Scaloni stated. \"Personally, I did my part. We pushed for him to be able to play in this match.\" The manager acknowledged that the team was aware of Messi's struggles and the profound impact of Argentina's World Cup loss, but they remained committed to honoring him.\n\nScaloni further explained that the timing was essential, as it would be impossible to predict future circumstances. He also credited the AFA and its president for fulfilling their responsibilities in making this occasion meaningful. Messi's withdrawal from international football followed Argentina's defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, which deeply affected the forward. The situation was further complicated by the recent loss of his father, which prompted Messi to take time to contemplate his decision before publicly announcing his retirement.\n\nThe farewell match was intended to provide Messi with an opportunity to bid farewell to his Argentinian fans and express his gratitude for the contributions he made to the national team.",
  "summary": "Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni reveals how he persuaded Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell match after his retirement. Read More: https://punchng.com/how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-for-farewell-match-scaloni/",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Scaloni played key role in persuading Messi to return for farewell match.",
    "Manager emphasized Messi deserves proper tribute from Argentine fans.",
    "AFA president supported the occasion's meaningfulness."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Retirement: How I convinced Messi to return to play for Argentina – Scaloni",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/retirement-how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-to-play-for-argentina",
        "published": "2026-09-25T06:39:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Tickets sold out in less than two hours for Lionel Messi's final Argentina match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/tickets-sold-out-in-less-than-two-hours-for-lionel-messis-final",
        "published": "2026-09-25T07:16:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "How I convinced Messi to return for farewell match — Scaloni",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-for-farewell-match-scaloni-9741563",
        "published": "2026-09-25T09:38:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}