Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement ambitions that signal a clear departure from the traditional path taken by many football legends, as the global icon says he has no desire to become a coach and instead dreams of owning and building a football club from the ground up.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Luzu TV, the Argentine superstar offered rare insight into how he envisions life after hanging up his boots. At 38, and with more than two decades at the highest level of the sport behind him, Messi appears to be carefully shaping a future that keeps him connected to football without stepping onto the touchline as a coach.
Messi Rules Out Coaching Career
Messi reveals post-retirement ambitions with surprising clarity, stating that coaching does not appeal to him. Despite his deep tactical understanding of the game and experience under some of football’s greatest managers, Messi said he does not see himself leading training sessions or managing players from the sidelines.
Instead, he expressed interest in a broader leadership role, explaining that he is drawn to long-term vision rather than day-to-day technical coaching. His comments challenge long-held assumptions that legendary players naturally transition into coaching roles after retirement.
Source: People.com
Club Ownership Appeals to the Argentine Star
Rather than pursuing coaching badges, Messi said he would prefer to become a club owner. He described a vision centered on starting with a small club and gradually helping it grow, with a strong focus on youth development.
According to Messi, the idea of creating opportunities for young players and guiding a project from its earliest stages is what excites him most. He emphasized the satisfaction of helping children develop their talent and achieve meaningful success, highlighting a developmental philosophy rather than a profit-driven approach.
Early Steps With Deportivo LSM
Messi reveals post-retirement ambitions that are already taking shape. Alongside long-time friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez, Messi has launched a professional football club named Deportivo LSM.
The club currently competes in the fourth tier of the Uruguayan football pyramid, serving as an early test of Messi’s interest in football ownership. While still modest in scale, the project reflects his desire to build something organically, away from the spotlight that has followed him throughout his playing career.
Observers see Deportivo LSM as a practical learning platform, allowing Messi to gain experience in football operations, talent development, and long-term planning.
Following a Growing Trend Among Football Icons
Messi’s ambitions mirror a growing trend among elite former players who choose ownership over coaching. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is a notable example, having successfully transitioned into football ownership after retiring, without pursuing coaching or punditry.
Another former teammate, Gerard Piqué, followed a similar route by becoming the owner of Spanish club FC Andorra. These examples suggest that modern football icons are increasingly drawn to executive and ownership roles, where influence extends beyond matchday decisions.
Messi Still Dominating on the Pitch
While planning for the future, Messi remains fully committed to his playing career. Currently representing Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, he continues to deliver elite performances despite his age.
This season, the Argentine legend made history by becoming the first player in MLS to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award in back-to-back seasons. He also played a central role in guiding Inter Miami to major team success, further cementing his impact on American football.
Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement ambitions at a time when his influence on the pitch remains as strong as ever, suggesting that his transition into ownership will come not from decline, but from a position of continued excellence.
