Lionel Messi talks about his plans when he retires: 'I would like to be involved in football'

Lionel Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer of all time. His legendary career has left an indelible mark on every institution he has touched, from the golden era of FC Barcelona and his stint at PSG to his current transformative impact at Inter Miami and his eternal glory with the Argentine National Team. As the player with the most trophies in football history and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi has built a legacy that transcends the sport, becoming an idol and a North Star for millions of fans across the globe.

However, as the clock ticks, the conversation around his "sunset years" has become inevitable. In one of his most sincere and transparent interviews to date, the Argentine captain opened up about the topic fans dread most: his retirement. At 38 years old, and with his record-breaking sixth World Cup approaching this June, "La Pulga" is beginning to outline what life will look like once he finally decides to hang up his boots.

Rejecting the Bench: Why Messi Won't Be a Manager

One of the most striking revelations from the interview was Messi's firm stance on coaching. Unlike many of his contemporaries and former teammates—such as Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, and Javier Mascherano—who transitioned almost immediately from the pitch to the dugout, Messi does not share that ambition.

"Honestly, I don’t see myself managing a football team," Messi declared, effectively closing the door on a career as a head coach. While his tactical IQ is undisputed, Messi seems to prefer a role that allows for a broader, more strategic impact on the game rather than the day-to-day pressure of the technical bench.

The "Owner" Vision: Following the Beckham Model?

Instead of coaching, Messi expressed a deep-seated interest in becoming a Sporting Director or even a Club Owner. His vision is rooted in the foundations of the sport and the development of new talent.

"I would like to have my own club, to help a team grow, to start from the bottom, and to give opportunities to young players so they can develop," Messi shared. This institutional and formative vision reflects a desire to give back to the sport by building a lasting structure. By focusing on youth development, Messi aims to shape the next generation of stars, utilizing his unparalleled experience to identify and nurture talent in a way that goes beyond just scoring goals.

This strategic pivot makes perfect sense considering his current environment. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, and his family has fully settled into the South Florida lifestyle. The United States provides the perfect landscape for a "business-side" transition, much like David Beckham did when he moved from player to owner.

While Messi did not provide specific details on where or when this ownership project might begin, the consensus is that he will remain linked to the U.S. market. The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across North America, will likely serve as his "Last Dance" with the Albiceleste, and from that point on, his focus may shift entirely to his executive ambitions.

Despite having won every possible collective and individual distinction, Messi’s reflections reveal that his love for the game remains humble. He spoke about the aspects of football that are often undervalued: the daily training sessions, the atmosphere of the locker room, and the camaraderie with teammates.

For Messi, retirement isn't just about leaving the 90 minutes of glory behind; it's about the loss of the routine that has defined his life since childhood. His desire to remain active as an owner or director is a way to stay tethered to that world, contributing to the growth of clubs and long-term projects while remaining a vital part of the footballing community.

In short, Lionel Messi is projecting a future where he remains the protagonist of the football world—not by wearing the captain’s armband, but by wielding the strategic vision of a leader who wants to change the game from the front office.