Lionel Messi has revealed that he has no plans to pursue coaching after retiring from football, instead expressing a strong interest in football club ownership and the business side of the sport. The Inter Miami star spoke candidly at the American Business Forum this week, outlining his ambitions to follow in the footsteps of fellow football legend and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“I like to start looking at what could come next. I like the business world; I want to keep learning. I’m just getting started with it,” Messi said. His comments indicate a growing curiosity among elite players in exploring opportunities beyond the pitch, with Messi keen to shape a post-playing career that aligns with his passion for football and youth development.
Messi, 38, has long been regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, with a glittering career spanning Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami. Despite his success, he has consistently emphasized his desire to explore new avenues once his playing days are over. “I’ve always been 100 per cent dedicated to my profession, but I know that something else is coming – another world – and little by little, I’m getting involved,” he added.
The forward clarified that coaching is not part of his post-retirement vision. “I don’t see myself as a coach. I like the idea of being a manager, but I’d prefer to be an owner,” Messi said. His perspective contrasts with many retired players who choose to remain on the sidelines, managing teams or serving as assistant coaches. For Messi, the appeal lies in leadership and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on developing young talent.
“I’d like to have my own club, start from the bottom, and make it grow,” Messi explained. “To be able to give the kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that’s what would appeal to me most.” These comments highlight Messi’s long-term vision of nurturing the next generation of football talent while simultaneously building a sustainable sporting project.
The idea of owning and developing a football club is not entirely unprecedented among elite players. Messi cited Beckham, who has successfully leveraged his footballing fame and business acumen to establish a competitive and well-supported club in Major League Soccer. Messi’s own experiences in professional football, particularly in Europe’s top leagues and the MLS, have given him a unique perspective on what it takes to run a club, both on and off the field.
Messi’s comments also reflect a growing trend of footballers planning for life beyond their playing careers, with many exploring avenues in management, media, fashion, and investment. His approach emphasizes strategic involvement from the ground up, focusing on building a football institution rather than merely assuming a high-profile managerial role.
While details of Messi’s potential club ownership ambitions remain sparse, his words indicate that he is considering projects where he can have a tangible impact on the sport’s future. For fans and aspiring players, the notion of a Messi-led club offers excitement and inspiration, combining his footballing expertise with a clear developmental philosophy.
Messi’s remarks come as Inter Miami continues to grow in profile within MLS, with the Argentine star playing a pivotal role both on and off the pitch. His long-term plans signal a desire to leave a lasting legacy, not only as a player but also as a visionary in football management and business.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s post-retirement vision is firmly rooted in entrepreneurship and football development rather than coaching. He aims to create and grow his own club, provide opportunities for young talent, and engage with the broader business world, following the model of established football owners while carving out a unique path for himself. His ambitions mark a new chapter for one of the game’s all-time greats, signaling a commitment to football that transcends his playing career.
