What Lionel Messi's career teaches us about building long-term wealth: 5 key money lessons

Lionel Messi’s career with Argentina offers valuable lessons for building long-term wealth. From staying consistent and adapting to setbacks to diversifying income and planning beyond peak earnings, these five money lessons can help investors build stronger financial habits.

Lionel Messi’s international career ended on a high as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires in the stadium Estadio Mâs Monumental on 6 October (local time).

The friendly was turned into an emotional farewell for the 39-year-old, who had earlier announced his retirement from international football after Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign.

In his final international game, Messi scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot and also provided two assists, helping Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz find the net. The eventual result gave the Argentina captain a fitting final appearance in front of his home crowd.

Lionel Messi's international stats

Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. After the Benin game, his career figures stood at 208 appearances and 126 goals. His final outing also took his assist tally to 68, according to the latest Argentine Football Association (AFA) statistical record, and Inter Miami credited him with two assists in the farewell match.