Lionel Messi has reignited football’s longest-running argument with a light-hearted declaration that the “GOAT debate” is over, sharing a promotional video days after announcing his retirement from international duty.
The Argentina great posted the Michelob ULTRA campaign titled “Tab Closed” on Instagram. The advertisement frames his national-team career as an itemised bar receipt. A bartender asks if the tab is closed before a long list of achievements scrolls out: the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, Olympic gold, the Finalissima, 207 appearances and 125 goals, plus World Cup records including 21 goals and 23 wins.
The receipt concludes with the pointed line: “GOAT debate settled.”
Messi accompanied the post with a short message: “More than 20 years. Six FIFA World Cups. Countless memories. Thank you all for being there every step of the way.”
The 39-year-old confirmed his international retirement on Monday after Argentina’s run to the final of this summer’s World Cup. He will continue playing club football with Inter Miami.
The campaign has once again placed Messi’s achievements alongside those of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with the final line on the receipt leaving little ambiguity about the message.
