Lionel Messi, former Barcelona captain and PSG superstar, has revealed that he would not rule out the possibility of being a coach using Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane who retired from football to become a successful coach as a case study.
Lionel Messi who is currently 35-year-old is expected to lead Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which will commence in November. The record seven time Ballon d’Or winner has revealed that the forthcoming World Cup will be his last as a footballer. He also revealed the possibility of being a coach after retirement.
What did Lionel Messi have to say about coaching in the future?
When asked about his success as a footballer while discussing with an Argentine sports journalist Sebastián Vignolo, Lionel Messi showed modesty by saying: “I never set out to be the best player in history. I think I’m just another player. On the pitch, we are all the same and when the game starts I always try to improve myself”.
When asked if he would like to become a coach once he retires, Messi answered, “I don’t really intend to be a coach, but Zidane said exactly that and after that, he became a coach and won the Champions League 3 times”.
However, the former Barcelona captain insisted on the possibility of becoming a sporting director in the future. Leo said, “I would like to be the sporting director of a club, to build a team, to accompany the coaches, but I’m not sure about that”.
Messi on his retirement
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, has stated that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will “absolutely” be his last, indicating that he will soon retire from playing for his country.
Messi has the Argentine records for appearances (164) and goals (90), and his victory over Brazil in the Copa America final last year put an end to his protracted search for a significant international honor.
This winter, he plans to build on his success in the colors of Argentina, which has gone 35 games without losing. Hence, he will head to the Middle East with a lot confidence.
With seven assists, Messi seems to be regaining his form just in time for the World Cup. He acknowledges that as he gets ready for his last opportunity to win the most prestigious football trophy, the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi Gave Glimpse Into Future As He Turned Into Barcelona Coach
When Lionel Messi assisted Barcelona’s coach on January 13, 2021, he offered a preview of the future.
The then captain of the Blaugrana and their leading scorer missed the Spanish Super Cup semifinal versus Real Sociedad due to injury.
He wasn’t able to attend the game, but he was there at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel.
After 90 minutes of play, the score remained tied at 1—1. Messi then descended from the stand to the touchline to assist Ronald Koeman and counsel his colleagues on strategy.
Images of the Argentine conversing with people like Jordi Alba and Francisco Trincao while wearing a face mask circulated on social media.
Messi was cheering on the Catalan team from the sidelines during the club’s first penalty shootout since 1998.
After Antoine Griezmann missed from the spot, Riqui Puig was the game-winning kicker from 12 yards out and enjoyed an emotional embrace with Messi. Marc-Andre-ter Stegen had previously saved Socidead’s first two penalty kicks from Jon Bautista and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Lionel Messi Club Career
Messi began playing football when he was a young lad and joined the Newell’s Old Boys juvenile team in 1995. (a Rosario-based top-division football club). Elite clubs on both sides of the Atlantic were drawn to Messi’s extraordinary abilities.
Messi moved to Barcelona with his family when he was 13 years old and started playing for FC Barcelona’s under-14 squad.
For the youth squad, he scored 21 goals in 14 games. He advanced fast through the higher-level teams, and at the age of 16, he made his unofficial FC Barcelona debut in a friendly game.
He is regarded as one of the greatest football players in sport history and the best player of his generation. By the time he was 21, Messi had been nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award and won it in 2009 and 2010.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Yazid Zidane, a former midfielder for the French national team, was born on June 23, 1972, and goes by the nicknames Zizou, Yaz, and ZZ. He represented the French national team in addition to four European teams. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Real Madrid’s manager.
Zidane has played for a number of illustrious soccer teams, including Real Madrid of Spain and Juventus of Italy. He led France to victories in the 2000 European Football Championship and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
He also helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League in 2002, the club’s seventh title overall. Three times, Zidane was chosen as the FIFA World Player of the Year.
He was undoubtedly the greatest player of the competition and guided France to the 2006 World Cup final. He is recognized as one of the finest players of all time and of his generation.
After the World Cup, Zidane declared he will retire in 2006. In the 110th minute of extra time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, Zidane gained notoriety for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the chest and receiving a red card.
Final score: Italy defeated France 5-3 on penalties for second place. The Zidane headbutt was the common name for this incident.
Even a sculpture of it can be found in Doha, Qatar.
After an illustrious football career, Zidane went on to become one of the most successful coaches in the world as he led Real Madrid to win three UEFA Champions League titles.
