Lionel Messi has expressed his aspirations of becoming a club owner rather than pursuing a career in coaching after his playing days are over. The Argentine superstar, who recently signed a three-year contract with Inter Miami extending into 2028, shared his vision in an interview with Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV.
At 38 years old, Messi stated, “I don’t see myself as a coach. I like the idea of being a coach, but I like being an owner.” He envisions the opportunity to build a club from the ground up, enabling young players to grow and achieve their potential. “If I had to choose, that would appeal to me more,” he added.
Messi is already involved in the operational side of football through a minority ownership stake in Inter Miami, which offers him a say in the club’s sporting and commercial strategies. This collaboration is further enhanced by a significant agreement between Apple and Major League Soccer, with Apple committing to a minimum of $2.5 billion to MLS broadcast rights, which includes offering Messi a share of subscriber revenue.
In addition to his aspirations in club ownership, Messi has launched The Messi Cup, a youth tournament that debuted in December, showcasing Inter Miami’s under-16 team against prestigious clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Future editions of the tournament may include even more MLS academy teams, further emphasizing Messi’s dedication to nurturing talent.
Moreover, Messi has supported the Uruguayan fourth division club Deportivo LSM, owned by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, which he helped launch in May 2025. Expressing his gratitude, Messi reflected on the honor of being part of the project, hoping to contribute to its growth alongside Suarez.
Messi’s ambitions indicate a deep commitment to developing the next generation of football talent and shaping the future of the sport. His prospective pathway as a club owner holds the promise of a lasting legacy that extends beyond his playing career.