Lionel Messi says goodbye to the Argentina national team
In the dead of night from Tuesday to Wednesday, the iconic football forward Lionel Messi is set to play his 208th and final match with the Argentina national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. After more than twenty years of exceptional achievements, including a World Cup victory in 2022, two Copa America titles, 125 goals, and 65 assists, the legendary player is bringing an international career of unprecedented proportions to a close. However, the world of football will not be losing its most prized asset just yet, as the historic star prepares for the next chapters of his professional journey both on and off the pitch.
Club career continuation and future in the MLS
While his chapter with the national selection is ending, Lionel Messi intends to continue playing at the club level. His current contract with the American franchise Inter Miami runs until at least 2028, and a further extension remains entirely possible if his physical and mental condition allows it. Speculation regarding a romantic return to his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys in Rosario has been dismissed for the time being, with the legendary forward fully committed to his American adventure.
A growing business empire and club ownership
Beyond his playing days on the pitch, the former Barcelona star has already laid solid foundations for his post-career business life. Forbes estimates his impressive fortune at 1.1 billion dollars, bolstered by substantial annual revenues. Already an action shareholder in Inter Miami, the Argentine star has also acquired stakes in Spanish football clubs, including UE Cornella in the fifth division and CD Eldense in the second tier, while expressing a strong interest in sporting director roles rather than coaching. His investments also extend to the hospitality sector with MiM Hotels, a hotel complex in Argentina, and the El Club de Milanesa restaurant chain, alongside a long-standing partnership with equipment supplier Adidas.
Next fixture
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will face Benin in their final international fixture in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday at 1:00 AM local time.
Photo : Bryan Berlin — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
