Billionaire Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Plays Final Game For Argentina—See Photos
The soccer legend scored the game’s final goal from the penalty box and then delivered an emotional speech after the game to over 85,000 in attendance.
Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest of all time, concluded his international career for Argentina with a resounding victory against Benin in a friendly match in Buenos Aires. The 36-year-old Argentine legend scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute, securing a 3-0 win for his national team.
This was Messi's 208th appearance for Argentina, the second-highest tally among players, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo. The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires witnessed a staggering crowd of over 85,000 fans, with tickets selling out within a mere 90 minutes of being made available. Before kickoff, a massive Argentina jersey was unfurled on the field, featuring Messi's number 10 and the word "Gracias" ("Thank You").
After the match, visibly moved, Messi expressed his gratitude to the fans, particularly mentioning the recent passing of his father, emphasizing the immense pride of representing his country for over two decades. Messi's illustrious career has led him to become the second-highest scorer in international football, with a total of 126 goals for the Argentine senior men's team, trailing only Ronaldo's 146 goals for Portugal.
Forbes estimates Messi's net worth to be around $1.1 billion, placing him among the world's richest athletes. As of June 2026, Messi had been inducted onto Forbes' billionaires list, courtesy of earnings from his football career and lucrative endorsement deals. Forbes' valuation credits Messi's wealth to both his accumulated earnings throughout his career and the option to acquire an equity stake in his MLS club, Inter Miami, upon his retirement.
Messi's financial success places him among the elite athletes, with only four others—Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, LeBron James—sharing the billionaire status. Argentinian President Javier Milei expressed his admiration for Messi, praising him as "the greatest of all time, by far," in a post on social media following the match. Messi's significant contribution to Argentine soccer and his immense popularity were underscored by the large turnout, with around 85,000 spectators in attendance.
The fans' appreciation was further highlighted through creative tributes, including a drone display showcasing Messi's jersey and a chalk portrait of the soccer icon outside the stadium.
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