Messi bids farewell to Argentina, eyes future beyond the pitch

Lionel Messi is about to play his 208th appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. He will bid an emotional farewell after a long two‑hundred‑plus‑cap career as the country's most‑capped player and record scorer.

The Argentinian legend announced his retirement from the national team on 31 August, six weeks after the World Cup final defeat by Spain, saying he had nothing more to give. Coach Lionel Scaloni said if Messi ever wants to carry on he can, but the chapter seems closed.

At Inter Miami, Messi’s club contract runs to the end of the 2028 season and will be reviewed each year. While he has no plans beyond the next game, his football career will continue, with the likelihood of a renewal if he’s still fit and willing.

Beyond the pitch, Messi is building a broad business empire. He owns clubs in Spain, including UE Cornella and CD Eldense, and has launched boutique hotels under the MiM Hotels brand, a partnership with Melia that started last November. He also has a restaurant chain, El Club de la Milanesa, and a beverage line with Stanley.

Messi’s passion for youth football is evident in the Messi Cup, an under‑16 academy tournament where he attends every game. The Cup has grown from eight teams in 2025 to sixteen in 2026, featuring clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter Miami, all hosted at Inter Miami’s facilities in Florida.

With his retirement from international football, Messi looks to deepen his impact in community development, business, and youth sports, signalling a new chapter that extends beyond the football field.