In brief
Lionel Messi is set to play his 208th game for Argentina, closing a legendary chapter with a friendly against Benin. While he hangs up his national team boots, his club career at Inter Miami is still on track, with a contract that will be reviewed yearly until 2028. Messi has also turned his love for the game into ownership, buying Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense and planning to expand. Outside football, he’s building a venture empire with hotel brands, youth tournaments, and partnerships that keep him tied to the sport’s future.
Messi’s final Argentina match – He’s bound to play his 208th appearance for the national side in a friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, after announcing his retirement from the team a month after the World Cup loss to Spain.
Staying in club football – Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through the 2028 season, reviewed each year. If he feels ready, he’s likely to renew. His playing days may end, but his on‑field presence continues.
Owner, not coach – Messi chose ownership over coaching. He bought UE Cornella (a fifth‑tier Spanish club) and CD Eldense (second division) last month. He’ll stay involved but relies on trusted managers and staff to run daily operations.
Youth football love – He chairs the Messi Cup, an Under‑16 academy tournament, and attends every match. The 2025 edition started with eight teams and has now doubled to 16, bringing clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan to Miami.
Business empire building – Forbes lists Messi’s net worth around $1.1bn. He spreads bets across MiM Hotels (Boutique properties in Ibiza and Andorra), a restaurant chain in Catalonia, a partnership with Stanley drinkware and other endorsements. His firm also manages real‑estate and media production projects.
Messi’s future blends passion for football with savvy entrepreneurship, proving the game can live on well beyond the stadium.
