Key Highlights
- Lionel Messi appeared at the America Business Forum in Miami, receiving a warm welcome from attendees.
- The event featured other high-profile guests including President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Messi’s appearance added significant caché to the ABF event, alongside tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.
- Messi discussed his transition into business after retiring from professional football, admitting he is a novice in this arena.
The Business Arena Meets the Football Field: Lionel Messi’s Appearance at America Business Forum
Miami buzzed with excitement on November 6, 2025, as Lionel Messi graced the stage of the America Business Forum (ABF). The event, held at Kaseya Arena, a venue known for hosting NBA matches, saw attendees cheer and scream in recognition of the football legend’s arrival. His presence was a stark contrast to the earlier speeches by political figures, including President Donald Trump, whose speech drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
The ABF is an annual gathering that brings together some of the world’s top business leaders, with politics playing a central role in its theme.
This year marked the first edition since 2016 to include professional athletes like Messi, Williams, and Nadal. The inclusion of such stars added a layer of prestige and entertainment value to the event, which typically features international dignitaries such as Stefano Domenicali from Formula 1 and Nobel Peace Prize recipient MarÃa Corina Machado.
Messi’s entrance was marked by a dramatic stage setup and a futuristic soundtrack. The crowd’s reaction was electric, with chants of “Messi!
Messi!” echoing through the arena. Despite the departure of many attendees after President Trump’s hour-long speech, Messi managed to captivate the remaining audience. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez presented Messi with a ceremonial key to the city in recognition of his contributions both on and off the field.
Messi’s words reflected his gratitude for the reception he received. “First of all, good afternoon and thank you for this warm welcome,” he began.
He expressed his admiration for living in Miami and the affection from its people, describing it as an impressive first day that continued to impress on subsequent days.
The event offered a glimpse into Messi’s transition beyond football. The 2025 edition of ABF highlighted his diverse interests and potential career paths outside sports. With recent investments in ventures such as Mas+, a sports drink company, and a hotel chain in Spain, Messi has already begun exploring opportunities in business.
His admission that he is just starting out in this new realm earned him one of the loudest rounds of applause.
“The business side of things is something that interests me, that I like, and that I would like to learn,” Messi said, acknowledging his lack of knowledge but expressing eagerness to delve deeper into it. This sentiment resonated with many in attendance who saw potential in leveraging their athletic successes for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
However, the event also underscored the complexities of integrating athletes into business and political spheres. While Messi’s appearance added a star-studded element to ABF, his personal politics remain ambiguous.
His partnership with the Saudi government has raised questions about his alignment with certain ideologies, despite his non-affiliation with any party or ideology himself.
Despite these considerations, the event served as a platform for showcasing how athletes like Messi can bridge gaps between sports and business worlds, potentially opening new avenues for economic development and cross-cultural understanding. As Messi continues to navigate this transition, his presence at ABF remains a significant milestone in his career beyond football.
