Lionel Messi is set to conclude his illustrious international career with Argentina in a friendly match at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. This marks a significant moment for the national team, following his announcement of retirement on August 31, six weeks after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain.
Despite Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni's open invitation for Messi to reconsider his decision, the football icon seems resolute in closing this chapter. However, his club career remains active, with a contract at Inter Miami extending until the end of the 2028 season, subject to annual reviews. Those close to Messi anticipate he will continue playing as long as he feels capable.
Messi's future plans extend beyond the pitch, with a keen interest in football ownership. He has already laid the groundwork in Spain, acquiring UE Cornella and CD Eldense. The latter, a second-division team, is expected to be the centerpiece of his football operations, with Messi closely monitoring its progress. His involvement has already attracted a slew of sponsors eager to associate with his brand.
In Uruguay, Messi, alongside Luis Suarez, founded Deportivo LSM, which achieved promotion to the third tier in its inaugural season. While initial discussions included expanding a network of clubs, financial considerations have shelved those plans for now. His focus remains on elevating Eldense to La Liga status.
Messi's connection to Inter Miami will deepen post-retirement, with plans to acquire shares in the club. However, owning a franchise outright is not currently on his agenda. Speculation about a return to Newell's Old Boys, where he began his youth career, remains just that—speculation.
Beyond football, Messi's passion for youth development is evident through the Messi Cup, a tournament for Under-16 academies that has grown significantly since its inception in 2025. This year, the event will feature 16 teams, including prominent clubs like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, and will be hosted at Inter Miami's facilities.
Off the field, Messi's business ventures have flourished. His portfolio includes a lifetime deal with Adidas and the MiM Hotels chain, which operates six boutique properties. Additionally, his family firm is involved in a residential development in Rosario, and he has interests in the restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, which plans to expand in Catalonia.
Messi's business acumen was nurtured by his father, Jorge Messi, who managed his affairs until his passing in August. Despite early legal challenges, the enterprise has grown to include TV production, marketing, and media partnerships. Messi remains actively involved, ensuring that his ventures align with his interests.
At the America Business Forum in Miami last November, Messi expressed his desire to learn more about the business world, acknowledging his novice status but showing enthusiasm for future endeavors. As he transitions from the field to the boardroom, his legacy in football and business continues to evolve.
