Lionel Messi has spent a lifetime owning football matches. Now, he’s thinking about owning a football club.
In a rare, wide-ranging interview with Luzu TV, the Inter Miami and Argentina icon revealed that once he hangs up his boots, he doesn’t see himself in the dugout — but in the boardroom.
“As a coach, I honestly don’t see myself,” Messi admitted. “I like the idea of being a manager, but if I have to choose one of the three, I like being an owner the most.”
For Messi, ownership isn’t about status. It’s about the opportunity and responsibility to create something for the next generation.
“I’d like to have my own club… start from the bottom,” said the 38-year-old. “To give opportunities to young players, to people, to help them grow and to build
an important club.”
It was a typically understated answer, delivered calmly by a man who rarely grants personal interviews, but it revealed a lot about how Messi sees his future and himself.
First Steps Already Taken
This isn’t just a dream on paper.
In May 2025, Messi quietly took his first step toward club ownership by joining Deportivo LSM as a partner. The Uruguayan lower-division club is led by his close friend, Luis Suarez, marking Messi’s first official venture into football ownership.
Closer to home, the Messi family are also behind Leones de Rosario FC, a club based in Alvear, Santa Fe Province, competing in Primera C, the fourth tier of Argentine football.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Icon
Beyond football, Messi opened up about his private world: his personality, family life, and emotional struggles.
“I have a side to me where I’m weirder than hell,” Messi said with a smile. “I really enjoy being on my own. I’m very structured.”
He also revealed he underwent therapy during his Barcelona years, acknowledging that he has a habit of internalising problems.
“I tend to bottle things up… I’ve changed a lot, but I’m still like that.”
On the pitch, Messi can be just as brutal — with himself.
“I insult myself inside my head,” he said. “I’ve had many bad matches… missed goals… and I’ve said everything to myself internally. I’ve given myself a proper earful!”
One Last Messi Detail…
In case anyone was wondering: Messi doesn’t dance — unless he’s “tipsy.”
His drink of choice? Wine. Sometimes mixed with Sprite.
Why?
Messi hates the Conga, and his go-to drink is wine mixed with Sprite, saying it “hits harder”.
Lmao. This dude is a gift. 🎁
He opens up more in every interview. #Messi
pic.twitter.com/XsQbAYrVhz— herculez gomez (@herculezg) January 6, 2026
“So it hits faster,” he joked.
