Lionel Messi Discusses Possibility of Coaching, Owning a Team After Retiring

Lionel Messi has had one of the greatest soccer careers ever, and he may have plans to stay involved in the sport after he retires.

In an interview with Argentina's Luzu TV, Messi said he isn't interested in coaching, but would like to own a team one day.

"I don't see myself as a coach," Messi said (h/t ESPN's Lizzy Becherano). "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."

Last spring, Messi delved into the ownership world for the first time when he helped his teammate, Luis Suárez, launch Deportivo LSM, a soccer team in Suárez's native Uruguay.

"Deportivo LS is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown a lot with more than 3,000 members," Suárez said. "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."

Messi also launched the Messi Cup, an under-16 tournament in Miami.

Before he gets too deep into the business side of things, Messi will look to finish out his career strong. The Inter Miami star is tied to his club through the 2028 season, so he'll be around for a few more years.