Messi’s Final Argentine Game Marks End of Golden Era

Lionel Messi will play his 208th and last match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The Argentine legend, whose record 79 goals and 115 assists have defined the national side for over a decade, officially announced his retirement from international duty on 31 August, just weeks after the World Cup final loss to Spain. He described his decision as a natural conclusion, saying he had nothing more to give.

While the goodbye on the pitch feels definitive, Messi’s football career remains active. His contract with Inter Miami runs to the end of the 2028 season with yearly reviews, and many close to the star expect him to stay until that time and possibly renew.

In the club arena, Messi has already begun to structure the next chapter of his legacy. He acquired Spanish club UE Cornella in April and announced his ownership of second‑division club CD Eldense on 1 October, pending approval from the Spanish sports council. Both clubs will operate under the guidance of trusted managers who will bridge Messi’s involvement until he can give them full attention.

Messi’s outreach has attracted local sponsors quickly, and his presence re‑energised marketing efforts for the clubs. In Uruguay he partnered with Luis Suarez to launch Deportivo LSM, which earned promotion to the third tier in its first season.

Beyond club ownership, Messi maintains an investing portfolio that extends to hospitality, real estate and food service. The MiM Hotels chain, a partnership with Melia, showcases six boutique properties from Ibiza to Andorra, while a new restaurant brand, El Club de la Milanesa, plans several locations in Catalonia.

The Argentine's business interests stem from early guidance by his late father, Jorge, who managed the family’s ventures from a young age. Today Messi selectively accepts opportunities, collaborating with team members he has trusted since his days at Barcelona.

In a recent interview at the America Business Forum, Messi remarked that business is a new frontier he wishes to explore, admitting he knows little and is eager to learn. His intertwined roles on the field and in the boardroom position him as a pioneer for athlete‑led ownership models worldwide.

With a future that balances football stewardship and commercial expansion, Messi’s legacy will continue to evolve beyond his playing days, even if the final whistle from Argentina has been blown. The world will watch to see which clubs rise under his guidance and how his ventures shape the next generation of the sport.