Lionel Messi etched his name into the history books when he inspired Argentina to win their first World Cup trophy since Maradona did it in 1986. It was Messi’s second major trophy for his country since he made his debut in 2005. Almost two decades later and after several tries to win the World Cup with his beloved Argentina, the Inter Miami star did it in style, as his brace plus a goal in the penalty shootout proved decisive.
Since the World Cup, Lionel Messi has been enjoying a new adventure in the United States, having signed for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. This new adventure has exposed the former Barcelona player to new business opportunities, with the latest being a partnership with Mark Anthony Brands to launch a new line of non-alcoholic hydration drinks.
Lionel Messi teams up with White Claw in latest venture
Lionel Messi’s name was featured in a rare press release yesterday, with the Argentine joining a business partnership with Mark Anthony Brands to create a new hydration beverage later this summer. The company’s press release revealed its plans to launch the drink in the United States and Canada.
The launch in these countries is to test the waters, after which a global launch will follow. Lionel Messi, a partner in the business, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I’m so excited about this,” Messi said, as quoted in the press release. “I’m invested as an owner. I’ve never done anything like this before,” he added.
While Messi hasn’t been particularly involved in this capacity, he’s no stranger to food and beverage companies. Last year, he appeared in a very popular ad as a chef in partnership with Hard Rock Cafe for a special burger. He’s also a frequent collaborator with Lays, Budweiser, and Pepsi, regularly appearing in video ads and several other campaigns.
Messi is enjoying life at Inter Miami right now, winning his eighth Ballon d’Or as an Inter Miami player and also winning the Leagues Cup in his first season at the club.
Lionel Messi addresses retirement talk
Lionel Messi has achieved everything there is to achieve in football. World Cup winner with his country, eight Ballon d’Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles and several league titles with Barcelona and PSG. He has truly conquered football, and thanks to his World Cup triumph last season, he’s now regarded as the best soccer player to have ever walked the earth.
Messi will be turning 37 later this year, and he’s already planning for his retirement. “I know that as soon as I believe I can no longer perform or no longer enjoy the game or not able to help my teammates, then I will stop,” the Argentine said.
“I am really self-critical; I know when I am good and when I am bad. So for my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing. I have not yet thought about this, I am still focused on enjoying football every day,” he added.
It is inevitable that one of the greatest to ever play the game will eventually retire, but until then, we can only enjoy whatever he has left to give on the pitch.
