Photo via BBC Sport

Owner, businessman & player: Messi has big plans as a golden era ends

Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking the end of his international career after 208 appearances and a record goal tally for the national team. The decision follows his retirement announcement in late August, though his club career with Inter Miami continues until at least 2028, with potential extensions depending on his physical and mental readiness.

Beyond playing, Messi is expanding his influence in football ownership, recently acquiring CD Eldense in Spain’s second division and UE Cornella, a fifth-tier club near Barcelona, as part of a long-term vision to shape clubs from a hands-on but strategic role. His ownership ambitions were hinted at earlier, with discussions about preferring the owner’s role over coaching, and he has already engaged with Eldense’s operations, including hiring former Villarreal manager Javi Calleja to steer the team away from relegation this season.

The move has drawn immediate commercial interest, with multiple sponsors approaching the club shortly after Messi’s involvement was confirmed. In Uruguay, he also co-founded Deportivo LSM with Luis Suárez, further diversifying his football-related ventures beyond playing and coaching.

Up nextFootball· 2d ago

The last walk at the Monumental: Messi says goodbye to Argentina