Lionel Messi confirms he won’t follow in footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez to become a Manager

Several Barcelona icons, such as Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Ronald Koeman, and Xavi Hernandez, have significantly influenced the club’s legacy and philosophy both on and off the pitch.

Recently, Andres Iniesta confirmed his desire to follow in their footsteps by expressing interest in taking on a managerial role within the football world. Iniesta, who has long been considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, aims to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to upcoming players and teams.

On the contrary, one legendary figure who does not intend to pursue a similar path is Lionel Messi. In an exclusive interview with renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi discussed various topics, including his plans for life after his illustrious playing career.

The 37-year-old made a notable statement, confirming that he does not plan to transition into management once he retires from playing football. He shared candidly, saying, “I’m not planning to become a manager when I will retire. This is not something I’m considering to do.” This revelation surprised some fans, as many had speculated that Messi, with his vast knowledge and passion for the game, would eventually take on a coaching role.

As Messi approaches the twilight of his football career, it remains to be seen whether he will maintain a role within the sport once he hangs up his boots. There have been discussions and rumors surrounding the possibility of his return to Barcelona in some capacity, whether as an ambassador for the club, a part of the administrative team, or even contributing to youth development initiatives. However, it does not appear that he will do so in the capacity of the head coach of the first team, a position that comes with immense pressure and demands a different skill set than what he has been used to as a player.

Messi’s decision signifies a distinct route, contrasting with the path taken by other legends of the game. It reflects his unique perspective on football and life after playing, which could pave the way for him to explore ventures outside traditional management while still contributing to the sport in meaningful ways.