The short version
- Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina against Benin, marking the end of his international career after winning the 2022 World Cup.
- He has acquired ownership stakes in Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense, aiming to establish a sustainable football operation rather than pursuing coaching roles.
- Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, with plans to retain shares in the club upon his eventual retirement from professional play.
Lionel Messi is preparing for his final appearance as an Argentina national team player, a milestone that signals the close of a defining chapter in global football. The upcoming friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires will serve as his farewell on the international stage. This match marks his 208th cap, cementing his status as the country's most-capped player and all-time leading goal scorer. His decision to step away from national duty was announced in late August, shortly after Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final against Spain. Messi stated at that time that he had exhausted his capacity to contribute further to the team.
While his international career concludes, his professional obligations continue elsewhere. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 season. Although the agreement includes annual reviews, those close to him indicate he intends to fulfill the term unless physical or mental factors intervene. The arrangement also stipulates that he will receive equity in the club upon his retirement from playing. This structure suggests a long-term commitment to the organization rather than an immediate departure from professional football.
Beyond his role as a player, Messi is actively building a business portfolio centered on club ownership. He has expressed a preference for owning teams over coaching, citing the desire to shape strategic direction without the daily pressures of match management. This approach allows him to remain involved in decision-making while avoiding the intense scrutiny associated with managerial positions. His initial steps into this arena began with the acquisition of UE Cornella, a fifth-tier club near Barcelona that serves as a youth development center. The purchase was finalized in April, laying the groundwork for a broader operational strategy.
The scope of his investments expanded significantly in October with the announcement that he would become the owner of CD Eldense, a second-division Spanish club. This acquisition is subject to approval by the Spanish sports council but represents the central pillar of his football business interests. The immediate objective for Eldense is stability rather than promotion, leading to the appointment of former Villarreal manager Javi Calleja to guide the team. Messi monitors matches closely and has already engaged with the fanbase through social media, signaling a hands-on approach to ownership despite not being present at every game.
The financial impact of his involvement has been immediate. Within days of the Eldense announcement, numerous sponsors approached the club, including brands that had previously negotiated without success. This influx of interest underscores the commercial value attached to his name and reputation. In addition to his Spanish ventures, Messi co-founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside Luis Suarez. The club achieved promotion to the third tier in its inaugural season, demonstrating a successful model for rapid development in lower divisions.
Initial discussions about expanding this network to include more clubs have cooled due to the substantial capital required for promotion campaigns. The current focus remains on establishing Eldense as a viable entity in La Liga. Messi intends to manage these operations through trusted intermediaries until he can dedicate full attention to them after retiring from playing. This transitional phase allows him to balance his active career with emerging business responsibilities without compromising performance on the pitch.
Youth development remains a core component of his vision. The Messi Cup, a tournament for under-16 academies, has grown from eight participating teams in 2025 to sixteen this year. Held at Inter Miami's facilities in Florida, the event features clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Messi's personal attendance at every match highlights his commitment to grassroots football, contrasting with his more distant role in senior club management. This dual focus on elite ownership and youth engagement defines his post-playing career strategy.
Speculation about a return to Newell's Old Boys, his childhood club in Rosario, has not materialized into concrete plans. While the idea may have been considered informally, current strategies are anchored in Europe and Miami. His family is settling into a home near Barcelona, reinforcing the geographic center of his new professional life. As he transitions from athlete to executive, Messi's influence on football will likely shift from direct performance to structural and commercial leadership.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Owner, businessman & player: Messi has big plans as a golden era ends
