{
  "id": 9741563,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T09:38:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/how-i-convinced-messi-to-return-for-farewell-match-scaloni/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni shared his approach to convincing Lionel Messi to join the national team for a farewell match following the forward's retirement from international football. According to Reuters, Scaloni spoke to journalists about his role in persuading Messi, with the support of the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Scaloni expressed satisfaction with Messi's decision to participate in the match, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legendary forward. He stated, \"I think a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part. We pushed for him to be able to play in this match.\" Scaloni explained that they were aware of Messi's personal struggles but still felt it was crucial to provide him with a proper tribute. The AFA and its president also fulfilled their responsibilities, according to Scaloni. Messi announced his withdrawal from the international team after Argentina's loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final. The incident deeply affected the player, who took time to ponder his decision while also mourning the passing of his father. Scaloni highlighted that the farewell match would offer Messi a chance to bid farewell to Argentine supporters and acknowledge his contributions 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 convinced Messi to return for farewell match.",
    "President of AFA supported Scaloni's efforts.",
    "Match honored Messi's contributions to Argentina."
  ],
  "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 Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-25T09:32:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}