Lionel Messi talks openly about his feelings on taking a surprise job after retiring from Argentina.
Lionel Messi is now seen as a top choice to become the head coach of Argentina’s national team after retiring from international play—and he’s already shared his thoughts about taking the job.
Messi ended his Argentina career on Tuesday night after a 3-0 friendly win against Benin. The 2022 World Cup champ earned 208 caps and scored 126 goals, with his last goal coming in Buenos Aires against Benin.
At 39, Messi is signed with Inter Miami until the end of 2028 and has also become the owner of Spanish second-tier team Eldense.
William Hill has put Messi’s chance of becoming Argentina’s coach by 2035 at 4/1. Messi made his international debut back in 2005 as an 18-year-old.
The current coach, Lionel Scaloni, has been in charge since 2018 and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. His contract runs out this year, but both sides want to work on an extension.
“There’s definitely a desire to stay here,” the former West Ham defender said. “But there are still many details to sort out with the president.”
Scaloni is also estimated at 10/1 to become Barcelona’s coach by 2035, where Messi spent 21 years.
If Scaloni steps down, Argentina will need a new coach, especially with the 2030 World Cup coming up. If things don’t work out, could Messi, fully retired, step in?
Messi himself says probably not. In January, talking to Argentine outlet Luzu TV (via ESPN), he didn’t completely rule out coaching but said he would rather be a club owner.
“I don’t see myself as a coach. I like the idea of being a manager,” he shared. “But I’d rather own a club, start from the bottom, and help kids grow and reach big things. That’s what really interests me.”
Earlier in 2024, he told Fabrizio Romano, “I’m not planning to become a manager when I retire. That’s not in my plans.”
So, Messi doesn’t plan to follow in the footsteps of Argentina legend Diego Maradona by managing the national team after retiring.
Maradona’s coaching time had mixed results; he won 18 of 24 matches and took Argentina to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, but they lost 4-0 to Germany, and his contract wasn’t renewed.