Lionel Messi Retired From International Soccer
The legendary forward concluded his international career following a final match against Benin.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Soccer
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Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on October 5, 2026. This decision follows a storied career that began with his professional debut in 2004.
Why it matters
Messi's departure marks the end of an era for Argentine soccer and global sports. He leaves behind an international legacy built over two decades of competition.
Messi holds an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, underpinned by a global real estate portfolio valued at nearly $300 million. His holdings range from a 20,000-square-foot Ibiza mansion to a high-capacity garage in Rosario.
The players
Lionel Messi
He is an internationally renowned soccer star who has won numerous professional honors and maintained a vast real estate portfolio.
The details
Messi closed his international chapter after a final appearance representing Argentina against Benin. Beyond the pitch, he maintains a diverse property collection, including luxury units in Miami and a long-standing residence in Castelldefels, Spain.
Timeline
Messi joined FC Barcelona in 2004.
He purchased a property in Castelldefels in 2009.
He bought a condo in the Porsche Design Tower in 2019.
Messi retired from international soccer on October 5, 2026.
Four luxury Cipriani Residences units are scheduled for handover in 2028.
Season Trajectory
This retirement signals a definitive shift in the international soccer landscape, closing a chapter defined by the 2004 debut of Lionel Messi with FC Barcelona. His absence creates a significant void in the global competition cycle as teams prepare for a post-Messi era.
Fans will no longer see Messi in international tournament squads or friendly matches. His transition focuses attention on his massive real estate holdings, including the upcoming 2028 unit handovers at the Cipriani Residences.
The takeaway
Messi moves into his post-international career with a robust financial foundation built on years of high-profile global success. His transition serves as a blueprint for how star athletes manage wealth through international real estate investments.
What happens next
Four luxury units in the Cipriani Residences are scheduled for handover to Messi in 2028.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving competitive landscape, explore our Soccer section.
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