Argentina: How Messi's retirement will cost Argentine football a lot of money

Lionel Messi has officially played his final match for Argentina. After 21 years and 208 caps, the Albiceleste captain leaves the international stage with an exceptional record. But his departure also represents a serious economic challenge for Argentine football.

In his last match, a 3-0 victory against Benin at the Monumental Stadium, the hype surrounding Messi once again demonstrated his immense commercial value. The 85,000 tickets sold out quickly, while the match drew an exceptional audience in Argentina.

But Messi's impact extends far beyond ticket sales. For several years, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has significantly expanded its commercial network and now boasts over a hundred sponsors worldwide. The Argentine institution has become a true international brand, and Messi has played a major role in this growth.

His departure could therefore affect revenue from sponsorships, commercial rights, merchandising, television ratings, and Argentina's matches abroad. Without their number 10, the AFA will now have to demonstrate that the national team's commercial power can survive without its greatest ambassador.

Argentina can, however, rely on the successes accumulated in recent years. The titles won with Messi, notably the Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, have considerably strengthened the image and finances of the national team.

The real challenge begins now: successfully transforming Messi's legacy into a new commercial force, while preparing for life after number 10. Because while his departure will not necessarily cause an immediate financial loss, the "Messi effect" could gradually be felt in the coming years.