Lionel Messi’s Argentina Career Ends as He Prepares for Life Beyond Football

Lionel Messi is set to make his 208th appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, marking what is expected to be his final match for the national team. The 39-year-old remains Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer after a remarkable international career that included World Cup glory in 2022. 

Although Messi’s international chapter is coming to an end, his playing career is not yet finished. His contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season and is reviewed annually, meaning he could continue playing as long as he remains physically and mentally prepared. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has also left the door open if Messi ever decides to reverse his international retirement. 

Messi is also preparing for an increasingly important role as a football owner. He has acquired UE Cornella in Spain and has become the new owner of CD Eldense, subject to approval from Spain’s sports authorities. His plan is to remain closely involved in football decisions while allowing trusted people to manage the clubs until he can dedicate more time to them. 

His involvement in football also extends to youth development. Messi and Luis Suarez founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay, while the Messi Cup has grown into a major Under-16 tournament featuring academies from clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Messi has shown a strong personal interest in the tournament and regularly attends matches. 

Beyond football, Messi has developed a wide business portfolio involving hotels, property, restaurants, endorsements and other commercial ventures. His business interests are expected to expand as his playing career eventually winds down, but football ownership and youth development appear likely to remain central to his future.