After Argentina Farewell, Lionel Messi Has Big Plans Beyond International Football

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina. The legendary forward will play his farewell international match against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium at 5am Bangladesh time tomorrow.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has made extensive preparations to ensure that Messi’s final match for the national team becomes a memorable occasion.

Messi, Argentina’s record holder for international appearances and goals, will now close the international chapter of his career on home soil.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has backed Messi’s decision to step away from international football. Scaloni said Messi could continue if he ever wanted to return, although the current situation suggests that the legendary player’s international chapter is coming to an end.

Messi, however, is not planning to retire from club football anytime soon. He remains under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028, with the agreement reviewed on an annual basis. If he remains physically and mentally fit, there is a possibility that he could continue playing for the club beyond his current deal.

Yet those close to Messi say he has rarely been someone who plans too far into the future. Throughout his career, the Argentine has generally preferred to focus on the next match rather than make long-term predictions about his future.

Even so, one thing appears increasingly clear: Messi has no intention of completely walking away from football. Alongside his playing career, he has developed a growing presence in business and other football-related ventures.

Those close to him reportedly believe he is unlikely to leave Inter Miami before the end of his current contract. For now, the plan appears to be staying with the club until the agreement expires.

Messi’s Argentina farewell, therefore, represents much more than another international fixture. He leaves the national team as the country’s record appearance holder and top scorer, having won the World Cup and several other major international trophies.

For many, Messi stands among the greatest footballers in Argentina’s history, with Diego Maradona often mentioned alongside him at the very top of the country’s football legacy.

Messi decided to step away from international football after the 2026 World Cup. Six weeks after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, he announced his retirement from the national team on August 31.

At the time, Messi indicated that he felt he had nothing more to give the national team.

Now, as he prepares to walk onto the Monumental pitch against Benin for the final time in Argentina colours, the match will mark the emotional end of one of the most extraordinary international careers in football history.