Owner, businessman and player: Messi has big plans as a golden era ends
Lionel Messi is preparing for his final match with the Argentina national team while continuing his club career at Inter Miami. The article explores his transition from a legendary player to his future interests in club ownership and business.
Why it matters
As one of the most influential figures in global sports, Messi's retirement from international play marks the end of a significant era in football history.
By Guillem Balague BBC Sport Columnist Published 4 hours ago Lionel Messi is about to play his last match for Argentina.
On what will be his 208th appearance, the country's most-capped player and record goal scorer will bid an emotional farewell in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Arguably Argentina's greatest ever player - only Diego Maradona comes close - announced his retirement from the national team on 31 August, six weeks after the World Cup final defeat by Spain, saying he had nothing more to give.
Coach Lionel Scaloni insists that if Messi ever wants to carry on, he can, and there is no embarrassment in changing one's mind. But that chapter seems closed.
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