How Lionel Messi built his $1.1 billion fortune beyond football

Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina's national football team after a 21-year career on Tuesday, as the team secured a 3-0 victory over Benin in a friendly match at Buenos Aires' Monumental stadium. At 39, Messi concluded his international playing days, leaving behind a staggering fortune estimated at US$1.1 billion by Forbes.

Throughout his tenure, Messi, who captained the squad, set up two goals for teammates Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz, scoring his 126th goal for Argentina—a national record. Reflecting on the occasion, Messi expressed his sadness, stating, "This is surely the saddest day of my career and I will miss you."

Messi's illustrious career includes victories in the 2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, and the 2005 Under-20 World Cup. His international retirement was announced following the 2026 World Cup, with Messi declaring, "I emptied myself; I have nothing more to give." Off the pitch, Messi's business ventures have thrived, with Forbes estimating his total earnings at around US$1.8 billion, placing him third on the 2026 list of highest-paid athletes with US$140 million in earnings.

Currently contracted at Inter Miami until 2028, Messi's annual contract value is US$28.3 million, with the team promising him partnership status upon retirement. Messi owns or co-owns five clubs across four countries, including Inter Miami, Leones de Rosario, and Deportivo LSM in Uruguay, alongside various business interests such as hotels, wine, fragrance lines, and real estate holdings.

The family holding company managing his business empire relocated its headquarters to Andorra in 2025, reflecting his growing influence in the business world.