Messi’s farewell match completes golden era

Lionel Messi will play his 208th and final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

After a record 112 goals, the Argentine superstar retired from national duty on 31 August, saying he had nothing more to give. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi could still play if he wished, but the chapter appears closed.

His club career lives on, with a contract at Inter Miami that ends with the 2028 season and is reviewed annually. The club has expressed confidence that Messi will stay until then.

Beyond the pitch, Messi is pursuing a business empire – from hotel brands to restaurant chains – and showing keen interest in club ownership. He has recently acquired Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense, and founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay.

He also invests heavily in youth football, chairing the Messi Cup for under‑16 academies and attending his son’s matches with the same enthusiasm.