Lionel Messi Envisions Future as Football Club Owner, Not Coach
Messi's Aspirations Beyond Playing
Buenos Aires [Argentina], January 7: Lionel Messi, the celebrated FIFA World Cup champion and star player for Inter Miami, has shared insights into his plans after retirement. He has dismissed the idea of becoming a coach, expressing a desire instead to own a football club, where he could nurture young talent.
In an interview with Luzu TV, an Argentine streaming platform, Messi discussed his future as he prepares for what may be his last FIFA World Cup at 38 this June. However, his recent contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028 suggests he may continue playing into his 40s.
During the interview, Messi stated, “I don’t envision myself as a coach. While the idea of managing is appealing, I would rather be an owner. I want to establish my own club, develop it from the ground up, and provide opportunities for young players to excel.”
As he approaches the end of his playing career, Messi is taking initial steps toward his post-football goals. He has teamed up with his former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, to create a fourth-division club in Uruguay named Deportivo LSM, which currently has 3,000 members and employs 80 professionals.
Additionally, Messi has initiated the Messi Cup, an under-16 tournament featuring eight academy teams from around the world, held in Miami to promote talent development and competitive spirit. The inaugural title was claimed by River Plate, who triumphed over Atletico Madrid.
In December, Messi wrapped up 2025 with his 'GOAT Tour' in India, spanning three days from December 13 to 15, visiting cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This marked his first trip to India since 2011.
While the Kolkata segment of the tour faced some disruptions at Salt Lake Stadium, the other locations were memorable, with Messi meeting notable figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, football icon Sunil Chhetri, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, all in front of enthusiastic football fans.
At 38, Messi led Inter Miami to victory in the MLS Cup last December, showcasing an outstanding season with 29 goals and 19 assists across 28 matches. Although he did not score in the final, his assists were crucial in securing a 3-1 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.