Lionel Messi plans entrepreneurial ventures following retirement
Football icon Lionel Messi has disclosed his intention to embark on an entrepreneurial journey following his eventual retirement from the sport, speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday evening, reports BritPanorama.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami striker, who recently committed to the club through 2028, acknowledged that his illustrious playing days must inevitably conclude. During his appearance at the Kaseya Center, Messi expressed mounting enthusiasm for commercial ventures and admitted he has begun preparing for life beyond the pitch.
The Argentine World Cup champion addressed an audience of business executives, revealing his ambition to transition into the corporate sphere whilst recognizing that his sporting career faces natural limitations. “I’ve had a very long sporting career – I still do – and I’ve always had trusted people around me who took care of those things for me,” he stated.
Messi further elaborated on his evolving priorities, noting, “But lately, I’ve become much more interested in what’s being done and what can be done. Unfortunately, football has an expiration date. At some point, it comes to an end.” He revealed his entrepreneurial aspirations, saying, “I like the business world; I want to keep learning. I’m just getting started with it.”
He has already established several commercial enterprises, including the MiM Hotels chain, The Messi Store clothing brand, and the Mas+ hydration beverage line. His investment portfolio extends to the El Club de la Milanesa restaurant franchise among other ventures.
Despite contemplating his post-football future, the Argentine continues to dominate on the pitch. He netted a league-leading 29 goals during this year’s MLS regular season, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge by five goals. His 19 assists brought his total goal contributions to 48, falling just short of Carlos Vela’s 2019 MLS record of 49. Inter Miami faces Nashville SC in a decisive playoff match on Saturday evening.
The prestigious gathering featured prominent figures including US President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez conducted the interview with Messi and presented him with a ceremonial key to the city. The Argentine received multiple standing ovations from attendees, many of whom captured the moment on their devices.
“It is spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city,” Messi remarked, expressing deep appreciation for Miami’s warm reception of his family since their 2023 arrival. “The affection of all the people from the first day, it was impressive and today is yet another example of the welcome. I’m very grateful.”
As Messi charts a course toward new ventures beyond the football pitch, it is a compelling reminder of how even legends must eventually face the next chapter, navigating the delicate balance between legacy and new aspirations.
