Lionel Messi has admitted he is not thinking about becoming a manager when his playing career comes to an end.
Now 37 years old, Messi’s career is clearly in its twilight, although the Argentina international recently insisted he expects to be play for several more years. The 2026 World Cup is not a formal target for Messi, but one the playmaker will aim for if he remains happy playing.
Beyond that, a life in management is not on the horizon for Messi.
“I’m not planning to become a manager when I will retire,” he told Fabrizio Romano. “This is not something I’m considering to do.”
Messi has previously acknowledged that former French great Zinedine Zidane also vowed not to become a manager, only to end up leading Real Madrid to three Champions League titles.
Instead, the Argentine has admitted he would be interested in becoming a sporting director, unsurprisingly preferring a behind-the-scenes role which would afford him the privacy he has sought throughout his playing career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Reports suggest Messi’s contract with Miami includes an agreement about his involvement with the club beyond his retirement, although the details of this clause have never been made public.
