Superstar Lionel Messi wants to follow in David Beckham's footsteps at Inter Miami, becoming an owner and building a club after retiring from playing.
The Argentinian superstar, who is currently under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, has stated that he prioritizes owning a club over coaching in the next stage of his career.
"I don't see myself as a coach," Messi shared with the online television channel Luzu TV (Argentina) in a recently published interview.
"I want to have my own club, starting from scratch and developing it into a big club. To give young children the opportunity to develop and achieve important things. If I had to choose, that would be what excites me more," Messi further explained.
Messi shared his dream of building a club from scratch.
Messi helped Inter Miami win their first-ever MLS Cup title last season. He also secured a minority ownership stake in the MLS team under a previously extended contract.
In May 2025, he also helped his longtime former MLS and Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez establish the fourth-division club Deportivo LSM in Uruguay, Suarez's homeland.
"It's an honor to be a part of this project. I hope I can contribute everything I have to help the club continue to grow and to be by his side," Messi said about being able to work alongside Suarez.
Additionally, the Inter Miami homepage previously unveiled the Inter Miami academy's jersey with a new logo symbolizing Messi, set to launch in September 2025.
In the 2026 MLS season, Messi and Inter Miami will kick off with an away game against Los Angeles FC on February 21st.