Lionel Messi reveals he wants to become a club owner after retirement, ruling out a coaching career. Learn about his “Deportivo LSM” project and his 2026 World Cup plans. Football legend Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves through the sporting world by revealing his post-retirement ambitions. In a definitive interview released on January 6, 2026, the Argentine icon clarified that he does not envision himself following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona or Zinedine Zidane into coaching. Instead, Messi is setting his sights on club ownership. He expressed a profound desire to build an institution from the ground up, focusing on youth development and administrative leadership. Currently contracted with Inter Miami until 2028, Messi is already gaining hands-on experience through a joint venture in Uruguay with his longtime friend, Luis Suarez.
Why Is Lionel Messi Interested in Ownership Instead of Coaching?
Lionel Messi’s footballing career has been defined by vision on the pitch, and his future plans are no less strategic. While most veterans transition to the tactical board, Messi is drawing inspiration from the David Beckham model. Speaking to the Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV, Messi stated, “I don’t want to be a coach; I want to be an owner. To have my own club and grow it from the grassroots level—that is the idea that attracts me the most.” This ambition signifies a shift from the physical demands of the game to the strategic influence of the boardroom, allowing him to leave a permanent mark on football’s global infrastructure.
This revelation has sparked intense discussion regarding the commercial future of the sport. The prominent Argentine outlet Buenos Aires Times highlighted in their report that Messi explicitly admitted his desire to own a football club, marking a departure from traditional retirement paths. Messi believes that overseeing a club’s long-term philosophy is more rewarding than the volatile pressure of the dugout. As he approaches the final chapters of his playing career, his focus is shifting toward creating a sustainable business model that empowers the next generation of athletes.
What is the Status of ‘Deportivo LSM’ and Messi’s Future Projects?
Messi has already begun his apprenticeship in football management. Alongside Luis Suarez, he is co-operating Deportivo LSM (Lionel Suarez Messi), a club currently competing in Uruguay’s fourth division. This is not merely a hobby; it is a laboratory for Messi’s footballing philosophy. The club boasts over 3,000 members and a professional staff of 80, focusing heavily on a state-of-the-art academy system. By starting at the lower tiers, Messi intends to learn the intricacies of club administration while providing opportunities for underprivileged talent in South America.
Furthermore, his commitment to youth is evidenced by the “Messi Cup,” an U-16 international tournament. According to Sports Illustrated (SI), the inaugural Messi Cup recently concluded with River Plate defeating Atletico Madrid in the final. These initiatives demonstrate that Messi is not looking to simply buy a brand but to build an ecosystem. Before kicking off the 2026 MLS season against LAFC on February 21, these administrative milestones suggest that Messi is successfully balancing his dual roles as a champion player and a visionary entrepreneur.
At a Glance: Messi’s Future Projects & Career Timeline
| Feature | Details |
| Post-Retirement Goal | Football Club Ownership and Administration. |
| Current Club Contract | Inter Miami (Extended until end of 2028). |
| Active Project | Deportivo LSM in Uruguay (Co-owned with Suarez). |
| Staff & Membership | 80+ Professionals and 3,000+ Club Members. |
| Youth Development | ‘Messi Cup’ International U-16 Tournament. |
| Immediate Target | 2026 FIFA World Cup and MLS Title Defense. |
What Are the Challenges of Messi’s Transition to Business?
While the pitch is a familiar sanctuary for Messi, the complexities of the corporate world present a different kind of challenge. Managing a professional club requires navigating massive sponsorships, legal frameworks, and infrastructure development. However, his global marketability remains his greatest asset. An analysis by India Today explored how Messi values human and structural growth over AI or coaching tech, positioning him as a “human-centric” leader. To succeed, he will need to continue surrounding himself with experienced sports executives, a process he is currently mastering at Inter Miami.
Time management remains his most immediate hurdle. With the 2026 World Cup scheduled for June, Messi remains a central figure for Argentina. Balancing national duties with the administrative growth of Deportivo LSM and his other commercial ventures is a daunting task. Despite this, Messi has emphasized a “slow and steady” approach. Unlike many legends who jump into coaching only to face swift criticism, Messi’s decision to pursue ownership allows him to build a legacy that is insulated from the week-to-week volatility of match results, focusing instead on long-term institutional success.
Why is This Decision a Revolution in the Football World?
Messi’s pivot toward ownership challenges the traditional retirement narrative for elite athletes. Typically, legends transition into media punditry or coaching. When a global icon of Messi’s stature chooses ownership, it shifts the economic power back to the players. World Soccer Talk recently noted that Messi’s post-retirement plans could surpass the David Beckham model in terms of sheer influence. His connection with peers like Suarez and his massive scouting network will give his future club an immediate competitive advantage.
Messi believes that the true evolution of football lies in how clubs are run—prioritizing the quality of life for players and the purity of the academy system. Through Deportivo LSM, he has already shown how a fourth-division club can be operated with corporate precision. This “Ownership Model” is likely to inspire other stars, such as Neymar or Mbappe, to invest in their own clubs rather than seeking managerial roles. A “Club Owner Messi” might be far more influential for the game’s future than a “Coach Messi” limited by the boundaries of a technical area.
FAQ:
1. Does Messi want to be a coach after retirement?
No, Lionel Messi has officially stated that he has no interest in coaching. He prefers the administrative role of a club owner.
2. What is the name of the club Messi currently co-owns?
Messi co-owns Deportivo LSM, a fourth-division club in Uruguay, alongside Luis Suarez.
3. How long is Messi’s contract with Inter Miami?
Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 season.
4. What is the ‘Messi Cup’?
It is an international U-16 youth tournament organized by Messi to promote global academy talent.
5. Will Messi play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Messi has confirmed his intention to lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, which remains his top priority.
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Conclusion:
Lionel Messi has always been a disruptor on the field, and now he is disrupting the traditional retirement path of the modern footballer. Transitioning from the world’s greatest player to a visionary entrepreneur, Messi is crafting a legacy that extends far beyond his goals and assists. His choice to pursue ownership over the high-stress environment of coaching is a testament to his desire for long-term impact. The success of projects like Deportivo LSM and the Messi Cup suggests that he is committed to reforming football at the grassroots level.
While fans can rejoice in the fact that Messi will remain active on the pitch through the 2026 World Cup and his Inter Miami contract, his off-field preparations signal the dawn of a new era. One day, the magic of his left foot will fall silent, but the institutions he builds will continue to produce the stars of tomorrow. Most legends fade into the background or face the scrutiny of the dugout; Messi intends to stay at the heart of the sport—not as a coach barking orders, but as the influential owner guiding the ship. The “Manager Messi” era may never come, but “Chairman Messi” is already in the making.
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