Messi’s international farewell leaves a final set of football goals

Lionel Messi has ended his international career with Argentina after the 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the World Cup final, but the 39-year-old still has a number of ambitions to pursue with Inter Miami and beyond football.

Messi announced his decision on Monday in a post on Instagram, bringing to an end months of uncertainty over his future with the national team. He leaves Argentina as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, having made 207 international appearances, scored 125 goals and won six major honours, including the 2022 World Cup.

Despite reaching an age at which many players have retired, Messi has shown little sign of slowing down. His four-goal display in Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over Montreal on Sunday underlined his continuing influence at club level.

The Argentina forward is currently leading the Major League Soccer scoring charts with 18 goals. He is contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, although the club would not prevent him from retiring earlier if he decided that was the right step.

According to Marca, Messi’s relationship with Inter Miami could continue even after he stops playing. Club officials are preparing to offer him a share in the ownership of the club, as well as a role within its organisational structure.

Before turning fully to life after playing, Messi could also challenge for a ninth Ballon d’Or. The eight-time winner is not regarded as the clear favourite for the award, but the absence of an obvious front-runner means he remains a serious contender.

His case is strengthened by his performance at the World Cup, where he scored eight goals in eight matches. The next Ballon d’Or winner is due to be announced in October.

Messi is also targeting a landmark 50th career trophy. He has currently won 48 honours and could add to that total by helping Inter Miami secure another MLS title after the club’s success in 2026.

A further ambition is to guide the David Beckham-owned club to the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2028. Inter Miami have never won that competition.

Preparing for life beyond playing

Messi has already begun laying the foundations for his post-playing career. In 2026, he acquired Unio Esportiva Cornella, a club competing in Spain’s third-tier Tercera Federacion in Catalonia, and hopes to develop it into a major sporting project.

That investment could mean Messi remains closely connected to Catalonia after retirement. He still owns a home in the region and retains strong personal links there, having left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain in 2021 in a move he did not want.

Given that many regard him as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi is unlikely to lack opportunities once he retires. Roles as a sports ambassador, or as a representative for different organisations, are likely to be available to him.

He is also expected to remain involved in campaigns and events connected to his many sponsors, while having more time for his family, who have been a constant source of support throughout his career.

For now, however, those plans may have to wait. Retiring from international football has closed one chapter for Messi, but his final contribution to the game appears not to have been made.