Not coaching, but club ownership—that is Messi’s goal after retirement

While football legends such as Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane chose to embark on managerial careers after hanging up their boots, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi appears to have a different vision for his post-retirement life.

Messi’s plans beyond the pitch have long been a source of fascination for fans and football analysts alike. In a recent interview with Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV, Messi opened up about his future ambitions, revealing that coaching, though interesting, is not his ultimate goal.

He stated, “Becoming a coach is something I could consider, but what really excites me is owning a club. I want to have my own team, start from the lower divisions, and gradually build it into something significant. That is the path that truly appeals to me.”

Currently contracted with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, Messi continues to focus on his playing career while steadily exploring opportunities in football management and ownership.

In collaboration with long-time teammate Luis Suárez, Messi launched Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division club in Uruguay, last year. The club’s name derives from the initials of Messi and Suárez, symbolising their shared vision for nurturing young talent.

Beyond club ownership, Messi has also initiated the ‘Messi Cup’, an Under-16 football tournament designed to provide a competitive platform for youth teams from academies around the world. The inaugural edition saw River Plate of Argentina crowned champions, highlighting the tournament’s immediate impact in promoting grassroots football.

Despite his growing involvement in club management, Messi remains fully committed to his playing career. He is set to kick off the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with Inter Miami on 21 February against LAFC, while speculation abounds over his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.

Messi’s post-retirement journey is shaping up to be as ambitious and visionary as his playing career. From building clubs from the ground up to fostering youth talent globally, he seems determined to leave a lasting legacy not only as one of the greatest players of all time but also as a pioneering figure in football ownership and development.