In a revealing interview, global football icon Lionel Messi has outlined his future ambitions beyond the pitch, expressing a clear preference for club ownership over a traditional coaching role. The Argentine superstar, currently dazzling fans for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), shared his vision in a conversation with Luzu TV that aired recently.
Messi's Vision: Building from the Ground Up
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, now 38, was candid about his post-playing career. "I don't see myself as a coach," Messi stated. While he finds management appealing, his ultimate choice is clear. "If I have to decide for one of the three, I would like to be an owner. I would like to have my own club, to be able to grow it, to start from the bottom," he explained.
Messi's dream is deeply rooted in development. He wants to create opportunities for young talent, shaping a club into a significant force. This vision is already taking shape in his current investments.
Existing Ventures and Miami's Long-Term Deal
Messi is not just talking about future plans; he is actively involved in club ownership already. He is a part-owner of Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division team in Uruguay, which he co-owns with his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. The club, described as a "family dream" by Suarez, boasts over 3,000 members and focuses on youth development in Uruguayan football.
Closer to his current home, Messi's contract with Inter Miami, which he extended in October to run through the 2025 season, includes a future minority ownership stake in the club. This ensures his influence at the David Beckham-co-owned franchise will extend long after he stops playing.
A Season of Dominance in MLS
On the field, Messi continues to break records. In the recently concluded MLS season, he claimed the Golden Boot with 29 goals, finishing five ahead of his closest rivals. He also provided 19 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 48—just one short of the league record set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
His phenomenal performance earned him the MLS Most Valuable Player award, making him the first player in league history to win the MVP honour in back-to-back seasons. This relentless excellence comes just two years after he led Argentina to glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
As Messi enters the final phase of his legendary playing career, his roadmap for the future is set. He aims to transition from being the greatest on the pitch to a visionary builder off it, focusing on nurturing the next generation through club ownership.
