Lionel Messi makes feelings very clear on taking surprise job after Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi has emerged as a leading contender to become the head coach of the Argentina national team following his international retirement - and has already made his feelings clear about taking the role.

Messi called time on his Argentina career on Tuesday night after a 3-0 friendly win against Benin. The 2022 World Cup winner collected 208 caps and scored 126 goals, with his final goal coming in Buenos Aires against the African side.

The 39-year-old is contracted to Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, while he has also assumed ownership of Spanish second-tier side Eldense.

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Lionel Messi among favourites to land surprise job

William Hill have priced Messi up at 4/1 to become the head coach of Argentina by 2035. He made his international debut as an 18-year-old in 2005.

Current manager Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2018, and was at the helm when Argentina won the 2022 World Cup.

His contract expires at the end of this year, but he says there is 'every willingness' from both sides to reach an agreement over an extension.

"There is certainly a desire to be here," the former West Ham full-back said. "But there are a lot of aspects we need to discuss with the president."

He is also priced at 10/1 by the same bookmaker to take charge of Barcelona, where he spent 21 years, before 2035.

If Scaloni does decide to leave his role, Argentina would need to appoint a replacement with one eye on the 2030 World Cup. But if that fails to work out, could a fully-retired Messi take over?

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What Lionel Messi has said about becoming a manager

According to the man himself, the answer to the above question is: probably not.

Speaking to Argentine streaming outlet Luzu TV (via ESPN) in January, Messi did not completely rule out the prospect of going into management - though admitted he would prefer to be a club owner.

"I don't see myself as a coach. I like the idea of being a manager," he said. "But I'd prefer to be an owner. I'd like to have my own club, start from the bottom and make it grow. To be able to give the kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important.

"If I had to choose, that's what would appeal to me the most."

In 2024, he told Fabrizio Romano: "I'm not planning to become a manager when I will retire. That's not something I'm considering to do."

Messi is not, therefore, planning to follow in the footsteps of fellow Argentina legend Diego Maradona and take charge of his national team in retirement.

Maradona's time in charge wasn't a significant success; he won 18 out of his 24 matches and guided Argentina to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, but they were thrashed 4-0 by Germany. His contract was not renewed.