Messi Drops Bombshell: Soccer Legend's Shocking Plans After Retirement Will Blow Your Mind
Lionel Messi has revealed his desire to own and build his own football club after retirement, dismissing coaching as an option while keeping management possibilities open.
Messi guided Inter Miami to their inaugural MLS Cup victory last month, delivering outstanding performances throughout the playoffs to lead the ecstatic Herons to glory.
Together with longtime competitor Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi continues to be football's most discussed figure, mesmerizing fans globally with his actions both on and off the field. However, as the 38-year-old approaches the twilight of his playing days, speculation grows about his post-retirement plans.
A potential return to Barcelona, where he enjoys legendary status, has been hinted at by Messi himself, with the club that was his home for over two decades remaining dear to him and his family.
Messi Keeps Management Door Open
Speaking recently to Luzu TV, an Argentine streaming platform, Messi explained that coaching doesn't appeal to him—though he hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of being involved from the sidelines—and instead may expand on his existing project with teammate Luis Suárez, which led to the creation of Deportivo LSM, a Uruguayan fourth-tier club.
"Coaching isn't for me," Messi stated. "Management interests me, but ownership appeals to me more. I'd love to have my own club, begin at the grassroots level, and help it flourish. To provide young players with opportunities to develop and accomplish something meaningful. If I had to pick, that's what would attract me most."
Messi also opened up about his character and his preference for routine, acknowledging that he values solitude over constant company.
"I'm stranger than anything. I genuinely enjoy solitude, I find peace in being alone," he revealed. "The chaos at home with three children running everywhere can overwhelm me, and I appreciate moments of quiet. I'm very organized—if my day is planned a certain way and something unexpected disrupts it, it affects me."
Messi Must First Savor Final World Cup Opportunity
Before Messi can concentrate entirely on his post-playing endeavors, there's the significant matter of the approaching 2026 World Cup. Anticipated to be his final major competition representing Argentina, Messi has the opportunity to defend their title after leading his nation to triumph in Qatar four years prior.
Recently, he discussed why the World Cup holds "special significance for everyone" in his country, and detailed the mental fortitude and unity that Argentina's squad possesses to reach their goals.
"The World Cup holds special meaning for everyone, for every nation, particularly for us, because we experience it uniquely," he commented. "We truly have exceptional talent, and it's been evident over the years—especially the passion and enthusiasm since [Lionel] Scaloni assumed control.
"The mindset everyone possesses. It's a team filled with champions, with determined attitudes, who hunger for more success, and that's infectious. You witness it in practice, in games. You watch them train and they commit completely.
"We're an incredible group with strong bonds, but during training matches or specific exercises, when intensity is required, they deliver. Everyone contributes their maximum effort, and that represents a tremendous asset of this squad and national team."