Footballer Messi to play final match for Argentina against Benin — BBC Sport
Footballer Lionel Messi will play his final match for the Argentina national team in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. It will be Messi’s 208th match for the national team, for which he holds the record for appearances and goals scored.
Messi announced his retirement from Argentina on August 31, six weeks after the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. He said that he no longer had anything left to give to the national team. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni noted at the same time that the footballer could change his decision if he wishes.
Contract with Inter Miami
As BBC Sport reports, Messi’s club contract with Inter Miami is valid until the end of the 2028 season, but is reviewed annually. According to the outlet, those close to him do not expect him to end his club career ahead of schedule, and he may extend the agreement if he is in proper physical and psychological condition.
After ending his playing career, Messi intends to remain in football. He previously considered working as a sporting director or an adviser to a club president, but when choosing between coaching and ownership roles, he preferred owning a club.
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Clubs and business projects
In April, Messi acquired UE Cornella, a Spanish fifth-division club near Barcelona that works with young footballers. Also, on October 1, second-division club CD Eldense announced Messi as its new owner, subject to approval from Spain’s Higher Sports Council. According to BBC Sport, Eldense is set to become the main club in his football operation.
In May 2025, Messi and Luis Suarez founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay, which was promoted to the country’s third division in its debut season. Separately, the footballer supports the Messi Cup youth tournament: this year, 16 academies are taking part, including Atletico, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter, Arsenal and UE Cornella.
Outside football, Messi has a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas and is involved in the MiM Hotels business, the El Club de la Milanesa restaurant chain and other commercial projects. In June, Forbes estimated his wealth at about $1.1 billion and his annual income from football and business at about $140 million.
