Lionel Messi has revealed he’d much rather become a club owner than step into coaching when he finally hangs up his boots.
The Argentine legend, still going strong at 38, shared his vision for life after playing in an interview with Luzu TV that aired on Tuesday.
“I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi said. “I like management, but if I have to decide between the options, I would like to be an owner.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained he dreams of creating something from nothing, with nurturing young talent at the heart of his ambitions.
Lionel Messi has revealed his plans after he retires from football
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“I would like to have my own club, to grow it from the bottom and to give kids and people the opportunity to develop and make it an important club,” he added.
It turns out Messi has already dipped his toes into the ownership world.
He’s a part owner of Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division club in Uruguay that he runs alongside his close mate and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez.
The project has been a labour of love for Suarez, who founded the club back in 2018.
“Deportivo LS is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown a lot with more than 3,000 members,” Suarez explained last May.
“I want to offer Uruguayan football opportunities and tools for teenagers and children to grow.”
Lionel Messi wants to get into club ownership, like Inter Miami’s David Beckham
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Messi is also linked to Leones de Rosario FC, which plays in Argentina’s fourth tier.
Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami keeps him in Florida until the end of 2028, following a three-year extension he signed back in October.
But here’s the interesting bit – his contract also includes a future minority ownership stake in the club itself.
It’s a move that mirrors the path taken by David Beckham, who co-founded Inter Miami and helped bring Messi to MLS in the first place.
The Argentine superstar has previously spoken about his growing fascination with the business side of football, telling the American Business Forum in November that he’s “just getting started” with exploring what comes next.
Despite his thoughts turning to life after football, Messi’s performances on the pitch remain absolutely brilliant.
Lionel Messi broke an MLS record with his goals and assist | Instagram
He claimed the MLS Golden Boot last season with 29 goals, finishing five clear of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
Add in 19 assists and his 48 total goal contributions came within touching distance of Carlos Vela’s league record from 2019.
Lionel Messi looks set to lead Argentina at the World Cup this summer
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Perhaps most impressively, Messi became the first player in MLS history to win consecutive MVP awards.
The World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 clearly has plenty left in the tank before any boardroom ambitions take centre stage.
