Lionel Messi isn’t just planning for retirement—he’s plotting a legacy. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed his ambition to own a football club, a move that could reshape the sport’s ownership landscape.
The Vision: Building a Club from the Ground Up
In a candid interview with Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV, Lionel Messi outlined his post-playing career ambitions: not coaching, but club ownership. “I want to have my own club, start from the bottom and make it big,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to create opportunities for young players. This vision aligns with his recent involvement in Deportivo LSM, a Uruguayan fourth-division club co-founded with former teammate Luis Suárez.
Messi’s approach mirrors that of David Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner, who transitioned from global icon to successful club executive. The difference? Messi’s hands-on role in player development suggests a more grassroots-focused strategy, leveraging his unparalleled football IQ to nurture talent.
Why Ownership Over Coaching?
“I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi admitted, a surprising revelation given his tactical brilliance. His preference for ownership reflects a broader trend among modern legends—Zinedine Zidane and Xavi Hernández being exceptions—who opt for executive roles over the pressures of management. Messi’s leadership style, characterized by quiet influence rather than vocal instruction, may translate better to boardroom decisions than sideline directives.
His contract with Inter Miami already includes a future minority ownership stake, hinting at a potential hybrid role where he could shape the club’s direction while still contributing on the field until 2028.
The Inter Miami Blueprint
Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been transformative. Since his arrival in 2023, the club has seen:
- Two MLS MVP awards (2023, 2024)
- A historic 2025 MLS Cup victory
- A 47% increase in season ticket sales
- Global brand visibility, with jersey sales surpassing traditional MLS giants
His ownership ambitions could further elevate Miami’s status, potentially attracting more high-profile players to the league. The 2026 season, kicking off February 21 against Los Angeles FC, will be a litmus test for his enduring influence.
Global Implications: A New Era of Player-Owners
Messi’s potential ownership venture could inspire a wave of current stars to consider similar paths. Unlike traditional owners, player-owners bring:
- Instant credibility with fans and players
- Firsthand knowledge of modern football’s demands
- Global networks for talent acquisition
With Cristiano Ronaldo already owning a stake in Cruz Azul and Serena Williams investing in Angel City FC, the model is gaining traction. Messi’s involvement could accelerate this shift, particularly in South America where his influence remains unparalleled.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Social media has erupted with theories about Messi’s potential club locations:
- Argentina: A sentimental favorite, with Newell’s Old Boys (his childhood club) frequently mentioned
- Miami: Expanding his existing stake into a larger role
- Europe: Rumors link him to lower-division Spanish clubs needing revival
Analysts suggest his choice will hinge on infrastructure for youth development—a cornerstone of his vision. “Messi’s club won’t just win trophies; it’ll build legends,” predicted ESPN analyst Alejandro Moreno.
The Road Ahead
While Messi remains focused on his playing career—with Inter Miami’s 2026 campaign and potential 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Argentina—his ownership plans are already in motion. The Deportivo LSM project serves as a testing ground for his management philosophy.
As he told Luzu TV: “Being able to give kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important… that would appeal to me more.” This ethos could redefine football ownership, blending star power with genuine developmental impact.
For the fastest, most authoritative analysis on Messi’s journey and the future of football ownership, stay tuned to onlytrustedinfo.com—where we don’t just report the news, we explain why it matters.
