Lionel Messi’s post-retirement vision is shaping up to be as ambitious and inspiring as his playing career. While many football legends turn to coaching after hanging up their boots, Messi has made it clear that he doesn’t see himself following that path. Instead, he dreams of becoming a club owner, starting from the grassroots level, and building something meaningful for future generations.
Lionel Messi’s Vision Beyond Coaching
Lionel Messi has explicitly stated in a recent interview with Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV that coaching isn’t a role he envisions for himself after retiring from professional football. At 38 years old and now signed with Inter Miami until 2028, Messi’s perspective is forward-thinking. He expressed a strong desire to own and grow a football club, focusing on nurturing young talent and offering kids opportunities to realize their potential.
“I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi told Luzu TV. “I want to have my own club, start from the bottom and make it big. Being able to give kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that would appeal to me more.”
This statement reveals Messi’s commitment not just to the sport but to its future. His interest lies in development and legacy — fostering an environment where aspiring players can thrive and reach new heights.
Inter Miami and Ownership Stakes: A New Chapter
A critical element in Messi’s long-term plans is his role at Inter Miami, where he signed a new three-year contract in October that extends his stay well beyond his 40th birthday. Not only does this deal anchor him in Major League Soccer, but it also grants him a minority ownership stake in the club. This unique arrangement allows Messi to influence both sporting decisions and commercial ventures, bridging his on-field expertise and business acumen.
Inter Miami’s connection with Apple, who invested a minimum of $2.5 billion in MLS broadcast rights over the next decade, adds another layer to Messi’s long-term involvement. The tech giant offered Messi a share of subscriber revenue, reinforcing his financial and strategic ties to the league’s growth and visibility.
Creating Opportunities: The Messi Cup and Youth Development
In line with his ownership ambitions, Messi has spearheaded initiatives aimed at youth development. The Messi Cup, launched in December, serves as a prime example. This tournament brought together the under-16 squads of some of the world’s most prestigious clubs — including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester City, as well as local teams like Inter Miami and River Plate.
The competition highlights Messi’s dedication to fostering young talent and strengthening ties among global football academies. Discussions are already underway to expand the tournament to include more MLS academy teams, helping raise the standard of American soccer while giving young players invaluable exposure and experience.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Building
Beyond the Messi Cup, Messi’s involvement extends internationally through collaborative projects with fellow footballers. One notable example is his partnership with Luis Suarez, a teammate at Inter Miami, to support Deportivo LSM — a Uruguayan fourth division club owned by Suarez.
Messi was instrumental in helping launch Deportivo LSM in May 2025, underscoring his commitment to grassroots football in South America as well. According to an ESPN Uruguay report, Messi expressed gratitude to Suarez for inviting him to be part of this project. “Being able to be a part of this is an honour. I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing this club and to be by your side.”
This collaboration emphasizes Messi’s belief in community-driven football projects and highlights his broader vision of using his influence to cultivate sustainable football ecosystems beyond the spotlight.
The Legacy Messi Wants to Leave
Lionel Messi’s decision to forego coaching in favor of club ownership reflects his deeper ambitions. Rather than simply guiding a team tactically from the sidelines, he aims to build and shape football institutions that prioritize youth development, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact on the sport.
By combining his experience as a top player with strategic business partnerships and grassroots initiatives, Messi is carving out a unique blueprint for life after football. His role at Inter Miami, involvement with the Messi Cup, and support for clubs like Deportivo LSM demonstrate a holistic approach to fostering football talent and growing the sport worldwide.
As he continues to write new chapters in his career, Messi’s legacy may ultimately be defined not only by his extraordinary achievements on the pitch but also by his transformative influence off it, inspiring future generations and uplifting the beautiful game at every level.Lionel Messi’s Post-Retirement Vision: From Club Owner to Football Ambassador.
