“I value much more than before everything I do” - Lionel Messi makes feelings clear about becoming coach after retirement
Lionel Messi has shared his thoughts on what he would do after his retirement. He said that he would not like to become a coach as he values other things in his life more.
Widely considered as one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi is 37 years old now. He is in the twilight of his career and could soon hang up his boots. In a recent interview with journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine was asked about his retirement plans and he said (via Marca):
"I wouldn't like to be a coach, but I'm still not sure what I'd like to do in the future. I value much more than before everything I do on a day-to-day basis, so I just think about playing, training and having fun."
He was further asked about the legacy he will be leaving behind when he retires and the Inter Miami superstar said:
"Let people remember me as they want. I am very grateful for my career and for having achieved everything I have thanks to God. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, which I fought for a long time and which cost me a lot of effort.
"I have been lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona, with the national team, and to have a wonderful life and family, so I am very grateful to God for everything I have been through, and I will let people remember me as they want."
Lionel Messi has already left European football, having joined Inter Miami in 2023 as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Lionel Messi explains if he will play at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi has played in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup and won the Player of the Tournament award twice. He also fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup trophy in 2022 as Argentina beat France on penalties in the final.
The next edition of the World Cup is set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. Messi will be 39 by then. When asked if he will feature at the tournament, he said (via Marca):
"The truth is that I don't know, I've been asked several times, especially in Argentina. I hope to have a good end of the season and then a good pre-season, something I didn't have last season because of all the travelling we did. From there I want to see what happens, to realise how I feel.
"In football a lot of things always happen. There is still a long way to go, so I'm not thinking too much about it. I'm going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future."
Lionel Messi is currently focused on the MLS playoffs with Inter Miami. They won the Supporters' Shield and are now eyeing the MLS Cup.