Lionel Messi Nearing End of Argentina Career, Eyes Future in Club Ownership and Business

Lionel Messi is preparing to play his last match for Argentina, marking the end of an illustrious national team career spanning 208 appearances. The legendary player, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, will bid farewell in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, six weeks after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, stating he had given all he could.

While coach Lionel Scaloni has suggested a return is possible should Messi change his mind, that chapter appears closed. His club career, however, continues with Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 season. This contract is reviewed annually, and those close to him do not anticipate an early departure. There is a strong possibility he may extend his contract if he feels physically and mentally prepared.

Looking beyond his playing days, Messi intends to remain involved in football, though he struggles to envision life without it. His business interests extend significantly beyond the sport itself. He has previously expressed interest in roles such as a sporting director or an advisor to a club president, positions that offer influence without the constant travel and demands of management.

When asked about his preference between coaching or owning a club, Messi chose ownership. He views coaching as too demanding, tied to the pressures of weekly matches. An owner, in his view, can shape a club's direction from a greater distance, though Messi envisions himself as an owner who would be deeply involved in all aspects of club operations, not just in approving managerial appointments.

Messi has already begun laying groundwork in this area. In April, he purchased UE Cornella, a club based on the outskirts of Barcelona that competes in the fifth tier of Spanish football and serves as a development ground for young players. On October 1, CD Eldense, a club in the second division, announced Messi as its new owner, pending authorization from the Spanish sports council. Eldense is intended to be the flagship club for his football operations, with the immediate goal of avoiding relegation. Javi Calleja, former Villarreal manager, has been appointed to lead the team.

Messi plans to manage these clubs through trusted individuals who will act as intermediaries until he can dedicate his full attention. He closely follows Eldense's matches online, and following their 4-1 victory over Real Oviedo, his first public statement as owner was an Instagram post saying "Aupa Deportivo." His involvement has already attracted attention, with a dozen new sponsors coming forward, including brands that had previously been in discussions with the former owners.

In Uruguay, Messi and Luis Suarez co-founded Deportivo LSM in May 2025, a club that earned promotion to the country's third tier in its inaugural season. An initial plan to establish a wider network of clubs was reconsidered due to the significant financial investment required to move them up through the divisions, and it is no longer a priority. Messi's current focus is on Eldense establishing itself in La Liga.

His connection to Miami extends to his playing contract, which includes a provision for him to receive shares in Inter Miami upon retirement. The establishment of a personal franchise is not part of his current plans. The possibility of a return to Newell's Old Boys, the club where he played as a child in Rosario, has never been formally discussed, though it may have been a fleeting thought shared with Suarez. However, those close to Messi do not expect such a move, as his future plans are centered around Europe and Miami, with a permanent home for his family being established in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.

Newell's Old Boys will remain connected to Messi through the Messi Cup, an initiative that includes sixteen academies this year. Beyond club ownership, youth football is another passion. His consistent attendance at his son's games and his involvement in the Messi Cup, a tournament for Under-16 academies, demonstrate this commitment. The tournament, which began in 2025 with eight teams, saw Messi attend every match on every day in its second year, surprising organizers. This year, the competition has expanded to 16 teams, including prominent clubs like Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, and will be held at Inter Miami's facilities in Florida.

Away from the pitch, Messi has cultivated a diverse business portfolio that contributes to his estimated net worth of approximately $1.1 billion, as reported by Forbes in June. His earnings over the previous year, totaling around $140 million, were split between his football career and business ventures. A notable endorsement is his lifetime deal with Adidas, signed in 2017. He is also a partner in the MiM Hotels chain, which comprises six boutique properties from Ibiza to Andorra, managed by Melia under a rental agreement since November 1, 2025. The hotels, named MiM, are part of the Melia Collection.

In Rosario, his family firm is involved in Carrasco M, a residential development by the Parana River, with sales handled by Ángel Di María's property agency. Messi also holds a stake in the restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, which plans to open five branches in Catalonia, starting with Castelldefels. He has collaborated with drinkware giant Stanley on a mate collection, the brand's first multi-year deal with an athlete, contributing his input on materials and colors.

The foundation of Messi's business endeavors was laid by his father, Jorge Messi, who managed his affairs from the beginning. Some early advice from Jorge led to tax issues in Spain, but the business later expanded into TV production, marketing, media, and commercial partnerships. Messi places trust in the individuals managing these ventures, many of whom have been with him since his early days at Barcelona. A rigorous vetting process ensures he is presented only with opportunities he is comfortable pursuing.

During a November appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami, Messi expressed his interest in business, stating, "Business is something that interests me. I would like to keep learning because I know nothing and I am just starting out." The business portfolio developed by his circle is already substantial, complementing his continued pursuit of football achievements.