The Argentine Football Association earned $121 million in prize money during the international career of forward Lionel Messi, according to financial calculations published by Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS.
A major portion of the revenue came from official prize funds awarded at international tournaments where the national team achieved podium finishes between 2019 and 2024.
The single largest financial return came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina won the championship. The governing body received $42 million from world football organization FIFA for winning the tournament, alongside an additional $10 million bonus awarded by South American confederation CONMEBOL.
Continental tournament victories provided further financial boosts for the association. Argentina earned $10 million for winning the 2021 Copa America, followed by $16 million in prize money when they won the tournament again at the 2024 Copa America.
The sequence of prize payouts began at the 2019 Copa America, where Argentina finished in third place to earn $8 million for the national federation.
Prize money breakdown and federation finances
Figures compiled by Diario AS outline how tournament payouts contributed directly to the $121 million total accumulated during Messi's national team career. Prize funds from major competitions represent a vital source of revenue for national associations, helping finance squad operations, youth development, and football infrastructure.
The Argentine Football Association, based in Buenos Aires, is the governing body responsible for organizing national football teams in Argentina. Official tournament prize money is distributed by regional and global governing bodies, including FIFA, which oversees world football, and CONMEBOL, which governs South American competition.
The World Cup is football's flagship global tournament, held every four years, while the Copa America serves as the primary continental championship for South American national teams. Success in both competitions generates substantial financial rewards for participating federations.
Farewell match against Benin
The details of Argentina's prize earnings emerged on October 7, shortly after Messi played his farewell match for the national team against Benin. The forward scored in the 71st minute of the encounter.
The goal against Benin was Messi's 126th for Argentina. He had represented the national team since 2005, completing a 21 year international career with the country.
During his tenure with the national side, Messi won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His final appearance against West African nation Benin concluded his career as Argentina's leading scorer and most successful international player.
