Messi’s Retirement Could Cost Argentina Millions
Messi's exit from international football could cost Argentina millions. Ticket sales, sponsorships, and revenue take a huge hit. Find out why!
Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football could turn into a major financial headache for the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Losing one of the most recognizable and commercially valuable figures in world football is a blow the federation is already feeling.
The 39-year-old bid farewell to his national team career in style, scoring a penalty and providing two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental stadium. That was his 208th and final match for La Albiceleste.
Messi closes out his international legacy with 126 goals, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 World Cup trophy.
His last game underscored the immense commercial power his name still holds. All 85,000 tickets for the Monumental were snapped up, despite prices reaching 480,000 pesos (over 280 euros) for some seats.
Forbes Argentina estimates ticket revenue from the farewell match alone could hit nearly $13 million.
Television viewership was massive. The Telefe broadcast peaked at 36 rating points, drawing more than 2.59 million viewers on free-to-air TV.
But Messi’s exit could take a toll far beyond stadium attendance.
Back in 2017, the AFA had only six national team sponsors. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 100. The federation now holds deals across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Times reports around 120 sponsors bringing in approximately $150 million in revenue, with iProfessional confirming a similar count.
AFA’s commercial director Leandro Petersen called Messi an "exceptional accelerator" for growing the Argentine football brand, especially in markets where the national team’s presence was limited before.
Argentina’s success during Messi’s era also brought substantial financial rewards. According to AS, since 2019 the country has earned about $121 million from bonuses and prize money in major tournaments like the Copa America in 2019, 2021, 2024, and the 2022 World Cup.
Of course, Messi isn’t the only reason behind Argentina’s rise in sport and finances, but his global appeal added value across the board, from ticket sales and TV rights to sponsorship deals, merchandise, digital content, and international friendlies.
Now, after an unforgettable era, AFA faces a daunting challenge: sustaining this commercial growth without Argentina’s most iconic footballer.
