The full-house roar at the Monumental felt less like the end of a match and more like the closing chapter of an era. Lionel Messi walked off the pitch on Tuesday night amid cheers from more than 80,000 people, having turned a friendly against Benin into a final showcase of the skill and humility that have defined his international career. The game finished 3-0, but for many in the stands it was the last time they would see their captain wearing Argentina’s sky-blue and white.
Two moments from that evening will stick with fans: quiet, professional assists that set up the first two goals, and a calm penalty in the 70th minute that sealed his 126th strike for the national side — a record. After the match he fought back emotion: “This is surely the saddest day of my career and I will miss you.”
A farewell performance at the Monumental
Messi’s final outing for Argentina was more than a ceremonial goodbye. He created space and delivered the passes that led to the opening goals — one set up Nicolás Otamendi, who was also marking his own farewell, and another found Nico Paz. Messi then converted a penalty in the 70th minute to cap the 3-0 result. The national anthem before kickoff was sung by Fabio Santana, a veteran of the 1982 conflict, underscoring the emotional tone of the evening.
The match felt like the closing act of a 21-year story: a stadium full of supporters, personal tributes, and the awareness that the team is turning a page after a generation led by one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Trophies, milestones and a storied résumé
Over two decades with the national team, Messi accumulated a rare combination of personal records and team success. Highlights include:
- 2022 FIFA World Cup winner (Qatar)
- Copa América champion in 2021 and 2024
- 2022 Finalissima winner
- Olympic gold medalist (Beijing 2008)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup winner (2005)
His 126 goals for Argentina make him the nation’s all-time leading scorer, a tally built across friendlies, qualifiers and major tournaments. The list of honours reflects both personal brilliance and a sustained ability to deliver when it mattered.
Money matters: what the numbers show
Off the pitch, Messi’s financial profile is as noteworthy as his trophy cabinet. Forbes places his net worth at around US$1.1 billion, while the magazine estimates his career earnings at roughly US$1.8 billion before taxes and fees. Other valuations have put his wealth in a slightly lower range, between US$850 million and US$1 billion.
In the 2026 Forbes ranking of highest-paid athletes he sits at third, with about US$140 million earned that year — roughly half from on-field remuneration and half from endorsements and business ventures.
Contracts, clubs and commercial ties
Playing agreements and endorsements
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, with the players’ union listing his guaranteed compensation at US$28.3 million. The club has publicly stated an intention to bring him into the business side as a partner after retirement. Since 2017 he has held a lifetime deal with Adidas, a partnership that continues to be a major element of his commercial profile.
Football ownership and sporting projects
His involvement in the sport now extends beyond playing. Messi owns or co-owns several clubs across different countries:
- Inter Miami (United States)
- Leones de Rosario (Argentina) — chaired by his brother Matías
- Unió Esportiva Cornellà (Spain)
- Club Deportivo Eldense (Spain, Segunda División) — acquisition pending approval
- Deportivo LSM (Uruguay, third division) — joined May 2025
Diversified investments
Beyond football teams, Messi has built a portfolio that includes hospitality, lifestyle and property:
- Six MiM hotels in Spain and Andorra
- Wine and fragrance lines
- Real estate holdings in Rosario and Barcelona
- Family holding company Limecu España 2010, which relocated its headquarters to Andorra in 2025
Voice on business and future plans
Messi has been increasingly open about his business ambitions. Speaking in November 2025 he admitted that he is still learning the ropes: “Business is something that interests me. I would like to keep learning because I know nothing and I am just starting out.” The move toward ownership stakes and a future partnership role at Inter Miami illustrate that his post-playing path is already being mapped out.
Reaction, controversy and the crowd
The farewell night drew not only adulation but also a few contentious moments. Some spectators displayed banners and symbols that provoked debate in the press and on social media, a reminder that large public events often reflect broader political and historical tensions. Meanwhile, tributes poured in from teammates, past opponents and global fans, and the emotional send-off highlighted how deeply Messi’s presence has been woven into Argentina’s sporting identity.
Similar Posts
- Messi Hits $1 Billion Net Worth: Joins Elite Billionaire Athletes Club!
- Peso Surge Triggers Massive Dollar Exodus from Argentina: Economic Shifts Explained!
- Falklands Boom: New Strategic Projects Manager to Spearhead Development Initiatives
- Argentina Seeks Local Funding for $4.2 Billion Bond Payment: Deadline Looms on July 9
- Condé Nast’s Marketing Guru Reveals Secrets: Mastering Brand Destruction and Rebirth
Gavin Turner is a crypto market analyst with over seven years studying price fluctuations and trading volumes in the United States. He provides detailed reports on sector trends and key indicators to help you anticipate market moves. His rigorous methodology and reliable forecasts guide you in refining your crypto trading strategies.
