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.
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 recognising that his sporting career faces natural limitations.
Lionel Messi has seen it all during his career in football | PASpeaking to business leaders, Messi candidly addressed his professional future.
"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.
"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."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient revealed his entrepreneurial aspirations.
"I like the business world; I want to keep learning. I'm just getting started with it," Messi explained.
Lionel Messi already has several businesses including his hydration drinks Mas+
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He acknowledged his evolving priorities, stating that whilst remaining fully committed to football, he recognises "something else is coming -- another world -- and little by little, I'm getting involved."
Messi 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 amongst 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.
Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami in 2023
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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.
"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."
He expressed deep appreciation for Miami's warm reception of his family since their 2023 arrival.