Messi Enters New Chapter After Argentina Retirement as Ballon d’Or Nomination and Eldense Deal Emerge
Lionel Messi has already prepared for life after Argentina as the footballer continues in Inter Miami, earns Ballon d’Or nomination, and signs a deal to buy the Spanish second-division club Eldense as a majority shareholder.
Messi announced his decision to retire from international football on 31 August 2026, bringing an end to his spectacular Argentina career.
39-year-old Messi leaves the pitch as the country’s appearing-maker and second-highest goalscorer with 207 caps and 125 goals.
He departs with a World Cup win and two-time Copa America champion.
However, Messi’s Argentina career is not the end for the footballer.
Messi nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or
One of the latest news regarding Messi came only a few days after the Argentina forward announced his international retirement.
France Football added Messi to the shortlist of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2026, after the footballer enjoyed a remarkable season for Inter Miami and Argentina in 2025-26.
Messi won the 2025 MLS Cup and was named the league’s MVP for the second consecutive season.
In addition, Messi led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they met Spain.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or will be presented on 26 October 2026 at the London Palladium Theatre.
Messi has won the prestigious individual award a record eight times, most recently in 2023.
His Argentina career is officially over
Messi’s Argentina career is officially over after more than two decades.
The iconic forward made his debut for Albiceleste in 2005 and became the focal point of the national team, leading them to record-breaking success in recent years.
His achievements in the international arena include:
2021 Copa America
2022 FIFA World Cup
2024 Copa America
In addition, he wrote history of sorts by reaching the 2026 World Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Spain.
The Argentine Football Association will host various matches where the players will mark a minute’s silence in tribute to Messi and his iconic number 10.
Messi continues to shine for Inter Miami
As Messi’s international career came to an end, he continues to dazzle in MLS.
In Inter Miami’s first match since Messi’s international retirement, he recorded an assist in a 2-2 draw at Atlanta United on 5 September.
In the previous encounter, Messi scored four goals and recorded an assist in a 7-1 win over CF Montreal.
Messi has been one of the best scorers in MLS, finishing the league season with 18 goals, which puts him in the second half of the regular season.
It is also interesting to note that Messi has surpassed many of his international achievements by playing for Inter Miami, keeping in mind that they won the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, but his career on the pitch continues.
Next match against Chicago Fire
Inter Miami meets Chicago Fire in another MLS encounter on the road this Wednesday, 9 th of September, at Soldier Field.
The match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Messi will aim to continue his recent stellar form in MLS after drawing with Atlanta United.
Inter Miami has already confirmed that this match will kick off this week, following the weekend game.
Messi signs deal to buy a majority stake in Eldense
The last piece of news regarding Messi comes from Spain, where he has reportedly signed a deal to buy a majority stake in second-division club CD Eldense.
According to EFE, Messi struck a preliminary deal to become the majority shareholder of the club, citing sources close to the player.
Meanwhile, Spanish reports suggest that Messi will buy all of Eldense’s shares, however, the deal is far from over.
Both parties need to sort out the terms and conditions, and due diligence before the transaction can be completed, including the approval of Spain’s sports authority, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD).
Since the deal is yet to be finalized, it is more accurate to say that Messi has reached an agreement to buy Eldense rather than confirming that the transfer of ownership has happened.
From a footballer to a football club owner
A completed deal will see Messi join an exclusive group of footballers who have bought football clubs.
Previously, Messi bought Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a Spanish third-division club, earlier this year.
It is worth noting that Eldense, a second-division side, is a notch higher in terms of stature and profile.
In addition, Messi will join a growing list of footballers who have bought football clubs while still playing for their respective teams in the top leagues.
What about Messi’s contract with Inter Miami?
Messi’s career on the pitch continues with Inter Miami, where he signed a significant contract, which will keep him with the club until 2028.
There have also been reports that Messi’s contract with Inter Miami contains a release clause.
However, these reports should be taken with a pinch of salt, as neither Inter Miami nor Messi’s representatives have officially confirmed the existence of such a clause.
It goes without saying that Messi’s Argentina retirement does not necessarily mean an end to his career on the pitch.
A new chapter for Messi
Lionel Messi has entered a new chapter in his football career, which has already seen him achieve many things.
While his international career seems to be over, Messi continues to dominate in MLS, chasing another Ballon d’Or, as well as buying football clubs.
For Argentina, the biggest challenge ahead is replacing the legendary Messi, who was representing the Albiceleste for more than two decades.
At the same time, Inter Miami looks to continue their quest for the MLS trophy.
Finally, if the reported deal goes through, Messi will also be able to add another chapter to his football career as a professional football club owner.
The Messi’s international chapter has come to an end, while the football story continues to gather new dimensions.
Source and reporting note
This article is based on independent news reports from Reuters, EFE, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami CF and Spanish reporting.
The transaction with Eldense is referred to as a preliminary agreement, because the purchase is subject to legal, contractual and regulatory processes.
Editorial policy
We make a distinction between reported developments, speculation and confirmed information.
We treat contractual details that have not been officially disclosed as such.
Disclaimer
Football transfers, ownership transactions, contracts, fixtures and player decisions can change.
The Eldense transaction is subject to the completion of procedures and appropriate approvals, and readers are advised to consult official statements from the relevant clubs and leagues for confirmation.
