Lionel Messi: 'I don't see myself as a coach'

Messi appeared on Luzu TV, an Argentine streaming channel, on Tuesday to speak about his life, his football career and his future plans. During the interview, he made it clear that coaching is not a path he plans to follow.

"I don't see myself as a coach," Messi said. "I like the idea of being a manager, but I'd prefer to be an owner. I'd like to have my own club, start from the bottom, and make it grow. To be able to give the kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that's what would appeal to me most."

Messi has already begun his journey as a club owner. In May 2025, the former Barcelona player teamed up with close friend and former teammate Luis Suarez to launch Deportivo LSM, a club competing in the fourth division of Uruguayan football. The idea was initiated by Suarez, who later invited Messi to join the project.

Speaking about Deportivo LSM, Suarez said: "Deportivo LS is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown a lot with more than 3,000 members. I want to offer Uruguayan soccer, the place I love and where I grew up as a child, opportunities and tools for teenagers and children to grow."

Despite his involvement with Deportivo LSM, Messi does not plan to step away from playing football anytime soon. The Argentine recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season, meaning he will continue playing for at least three more years.

Last month, Messi captained Inter Miami to their first MLS trophy after a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. The club is currently in the off-season and preparing for the 2026 MLS campaign. Their first match of the new season is scheduled for 22 February against LAFC.

Inter Miami have also seen changes to their squad, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba leaving the club after both legends decided to retire following the MLS title win.