Lionel Messi Wants To Follow David Beckham’s Path When He Hangs Up His Boots
Messi is already thinking about the next chapter. It has nothing to do with the touchline and everything to do with a path he knows well… and watches closely from Miami.
Messi and the inevitable horizon of retirement
At 38, Lionel Messi knows his career is entering its final stretch, even though his level remains among the best in the world. A World Cup winner, multiple-time champion and Ballon d’Or holder, the Argentine is fully aware that his time as a professional footballer is limited.
Messi himself has acknowledged this on several occasions, even leaving his participation with the Argentina National Team at the 2026 World Cup up in the air. Still, the final chapter has not been written yet, and his focus remains firmly on competing at the highest level.
Inter Miami, continuity and a project that excites
Far from contemplating immediate retirement, Messi underlined his commitment to the present by extending his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. The Argentine expressed his excitement about the continuity of the project and the club’s move to Miami Freedom Park, Inter Miami’s new stadium set to open in 2026.
For Messi, Miami has become a place of both personal and professional stability. Since his arrival, he has spoken openly about his happiness, comfort and belief in a project that evolved from a dream into a tangible reality. All of it confirms that, before thinking about retirement, his focus remains on competing and winning.
The future is not on the touchline
The most revealing comments came when Messi discussed life after football. He was clear: he does not see himself as a coach. While he does not completely rule out that possibility, his interests lie elsewhere. Messi has admitted he is increasingly drawn to the business world and to learning from a different role.
In recent statements, he explained that he would like to be involved in a project built from the ground up, without urgency or pressure—something far removed from the daily demands of management and better suited to long-term vision.
Beckham’s influence: from star to owner
That is where a key reference comes into play: David Beckham. Messi has openly admitted that the idea of becoming a club owner appeals to him, following a similar model to Beckham’s journey in Miami. Owning his own club, growing it from the bottom and giving young players opportunities to develop is what attracts him most at this stage.
Before that moment arrives, Messi will continue working to stay in peak condition, aiming to help Argentina defend their World Cup title and further build Inter Miami’s legacy. Retirement will come—but when it does, Messi already knows his story with football will not end there.
