Messi’s Final Farewell on the Pitch and New Ventures Off It

Tue Oct 06 2026 10:59:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Messi’s last international match, his future as an owner, and his growing business empire. A close look at how the legend balances football with business.

Lionel Messi bids goodbye to the Argentina squad in a friendly against Benin after announcing his retirement from national team duty. He keeps an eye on football both on and off the field, owning stakes in Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense, and turning his focus toward youth development with the Messi Cup. Meanwhile, his business portfolio expands from a lifetime Adidas deal to boutique hotels, property ventures and culinary ventures, reflecting a new chapter beyond the pitch.

Messi’s Final Farewell on the Pitch and New Ventures Off It

The Argentine star is set to close his international chapter in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental, while he keeps building a football empire that extends far beyond the pitch.

The goodbye moment

In his 208th appearance, the record‑scoring captain will say his last words on the field. He announced on 31 August that he would not take any more national duties after Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final.

Scaloni has said Messi can return if he wants, but the forward’s decision seems definitive.

Beyond Barcelona – the owner in Spain

Messi bought the fifth‑tier side UE Cornella in April and was installed as owner of CD Eldense – a second‑division club – on 1 October, pending Spanish sporting council approval. He keeps a close eye on each match from his laptop and is already attracting sponsors through his name alone.

His Spanish interests also extend to a club in Uruguay, Deportivo LSM, and he has a stake in Inter Miami that could see shareholding jump when he retires.

A love for young talent

Messi runs a tournament for under‑16 academies – the Messi Cup – that grew from eight to 16 teams in 2025. He often spends the entire day watching every match from the sidelines.

Diversifying the portfolio

His net worth sits around $1.1bn, with income from football, an Adidas lifetime contract, and a portfolio that now includes boutique hotels (MiM Hotels), a property development near the Paraná River and a restaurant chain in Catalonia.

He told the America Business Forum that his interest in business is just beginning, and he will keep learning.