Lionel Messi Envisions Club Ownership Post-Retirement

Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami CF, has stated that he does not envision himself taking on the role of a coach in the future. Instead, he has expressed a strong interest in owning and developing his own soccer club after he retires from playing.

In an interview with Luzu TV, an Argentine streaming channel, Messi remarked, “I don’t see myself as a coach. I like the idea of being a manager, but I would prefer to be an owner. I would like to have my own club, start from the bottom, and help it grow. My goal would be to provide young players with opportunities to develop and achieve something significant. If I had to choose, that would be what appeals to me the most.”

Recently, Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami that will keep him active on the field until the end of the 2028 MLS season. However, he is already making strides in the realm of club ownership by partnering with his longtime teammate Luis Suárez to launch Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division team in Uruguay. This club, which carries the initials of both players, currently has 80 professionals and about 3,000 members.

Suárez shared, “Deportivo LSM is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown significantly, boasting over 3,000 members. My goal is to provide opportunities and resources for teenagers and children in Uruguayan soccer, the place I love and where I grew up.”

Initially, Suárez spearheaded the project before inviting Messi to join him. Messi expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m proud and happy that you chose me, and I hope to contribute everything I can to ensure its continued growth and to be by your side in this endeavor.”

In addition to his ventures in club ownership, Messi recently launched the Messi Cup, an under-16 youth tournament that featured eight academy teams from around the world competing in Miami, aiming to foster talent and competition.

The inaugural edition of the Messi Cup took place in December, with River Plate emerging victorious by defeating Atlético Madrid in the final. For the time being, Messi remains focused on his on-field responsibilities as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 campaign with Inter Miami, which kicks off on February 21 against LAFC.