# Messi Retires From Argentina National Team

> Lionel Messi ends 21-year international career with $1.1 billion fortune.
- Title: Messi Retires From Argentina National Team · MercoPress
- Summary: Lionel Messi ends 21-year international career with $1.1 billion fortune. Lionel Messi retired from Argentina's national team after 21 years, scoring his…
- Keywords: lionel messi, argentina national team, forbes, 2026 world cup, inter miami, adidas, news, world, politics, Messi, Retires, Argentina
- Source: MercoPress — https://en.mercopress.com/2026/10/07/messi-leaves-argentina-s-national-team-after-21-years-with-a-fortune-forbes-puts-at-us-1.1-billion
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- Topics: lionel messi, argentina national team, forbes, 2026 world cup, inter miami, adidas, news, world, politics
## Messi Retires From Argentina
Lionel Messi played his last match for Argentina on Tuesday, a friendly against Benin that ended 3-0 at Buenos Aires' Monumental stadium before more than 80,000 spectators.
## 21-Year International Career Ends
At 39, he closes a 21-year international career while consolidating a fortune that Forbes estimates at US$1.1 billion.
## Scoring Record Goal
The captain set up Nicolás Otamendi for the first goal and Nico Paz for the second, and scored the third from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, his 126th goal for Argentina, a national team record.
## Messi's Retirement Statement
He announced his international retirement after the 2026 World Cup: "I emptied myself; I have nothing more to give."

> I emptied myself; I have nothing more to give.
## Forbes Net Worth Estimate
Forbes calculates he earned around US$1.8 billion over his career, before taxes and fees; other estimates put his net worth between US$850 million and US$1 billion.
## Business Interests Expand
Messi owns or co-owns five clubs in four countries: Inter Miami; Leones de Rosario, chaired by his brother Matías; Unió Esportiva Cornellà and Club Deportivo Eldense of Spain's second division, whose purchase awaits approval; and Deportivo LSM of Uruguay's third division, which he joined in May 2025.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi retired from Argentina's national team after 21 years, scoring his 126th goal for the team and leaving a net worth estimated at $1.1 billion by Forbes.