Even at 36, Lionel Messi is an ever-important player for Inter Miami and Argentina. However, as age catches up, the Argentine is being quipped about his plans after retirement. As he winds down the clock before hanging his boots, Messi does admit that a move to the USA was fruitful, and a step in the right direction.
There are very few soccer players that understand the game better than Lionel Messi. And so, the Inter Miami star will hope to do well for his club in his first full season. Meanwhile, the soccer maestro has also revealed his plans after life on the pitch.
Lionel Messi has a surprise retirement plan in place
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In 2030, the FIFA World Cup is going to happen in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Many soccer fans would have loved a final match-up between Argentina and Brazil at Camp Nou with Messi as Argentina’s manager. However, unfortunately, that will remain a dream only. It is because, in an interview, Messi was asked about the possibility of taking a coaching role after the end of his playing career. But, the Argentine gave an unexpected answer to the question that will break millions of hearts.
The World Cup winner, speaking on possibly becoming a coach, said, “I don’t think I’ll be a coach, but I will certainly be involved in something related to football because it’s my entire life”.
A sharp no to a managerial career surprised many, as soccer fans thought he would join the growing trend of former players becoming coaches like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard.
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: “I don't think I'll be a coach, but I will certainly be involved in something related to football because it's my entire life.” pic.twitter.com/qbXR79bQEI
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) November 5, 2023
Many speculated that he would become a future Inter Miami or FC Barcelona manager one day. There are, meanwhile, soccer fans who have expressed that Messi should have continued his stay in Europe for a season or two. But, the Argentine has admitted that he made the right decision to come to the USA and leave Europe at the right moment.
Messi admits a move to the USA is a step forward
Lionel Messi received offers to make his emotional return to FC Barcelona after leaving PSG. However, the Argentine decided to accept an offer from Inter Miami. This move surprised many as fans wanted Messi to finish his career with his boyhood club FC Barcelona. Despite this, Lionel Messi feels that he made the right decision to come to the MLS side. He also feels moving to the USA came at the right time in his playing career.
Messi, speaking to the media after receiving his Ballon d’Or said, “Now that I’ve taken a step forward by coming here to the United States, I don’t think I’ll ever come back to play in Europe”. The statement comes as a surprise as there were also plans for him to retire after returning to Barca. However, a number of recent reports are indicating that he has ruled it out. It is because of his poor relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta. There were also reports of him refusing to shake hands with him in the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
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🚨 Lionel Messi and Europe, it's over:
“Now that I've taken a step forward by coming here to the United States, I don't think I'll ever come back to play in Europe." 🔚🙅♂️
(Source: @ballondor) pic.twitter.com/uDmBLzTFK5
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 5, 2023
Despite this, Barcelona fans will hope that their hero can say one final goodbye at Camp Nou someday. But, his long-term plans are that he sees a future in the USA beyond his playing career. It does make sense for him to come to the USA as the owner of his Inter Miami team and soccer legend David Beckham decided to purchase the MLS team soon after his retirement.
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Lionel Messi is also aware that there are plenty of other roles available than a coach in the sport of soccer. So, the big question what do you think will Messi do related to soccer after the end of his playing career?
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