Lionel Messi is being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of David Beckham by transitioning into club ownership once his glittering playing career in Major League Soccer comes to an end.
With speculation surrounding a potential new contract at Inter Miami, American soccer leaders and fans alike are eager to ensure the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains tied to the league for years to come.
Messi’s contract extension talks with Inter Miami in motion
Reports suggest Messi could be offered a deal running through 2028, which would see him play well into his 40s.
His current contract already includes a 10 percent stake in Inter Miami, though it remains to be seen whether he will continue building within the club or eventually pursue ownership independently.
The idea of Messi committing to a long-term role excites many within MLS, as his presence has already elevated the profile of the league both domestically and worldwide.
Messi encouraged to learn from Beckham
Former Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel, speaking to GOAL in association with Joe Fortune, stressed the importance of keeping Messi within the MLS ecosystem.
“I hope from an MLS point of view and football in America that he stays put. I think that a departure would be a big blow to MLS, a big blow to building things up for MLS prior to a World Cup on home soil,” Friedel said.
“There have been a lot of players at the end of their careers that have come to MLS. He’s been one that has performed incredibly well, you see his numbers – goals and assists don’t lie. He’s been incredibly professional around the league itself. I think that would be a big blow for the league if he didn’t sign a new deal.”
Friedel also pointed to Messi’s influence beyond the pitch, particularly in boosting the league’s commercial value.
“The thing that makes any professional league tick, in any sport, is the type of media rights deals that you can get to keep the sport going. When you have people like Lionel Messi, it helps a lot,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Friedel hopes Messi remains a fixture in MLS even after retirement.
“For someone that grew up in this country without a professional league at all, I would like to think that perhaps when he has done playing he will still be involved in MLS in an ownership capacity or something of that nature – to keep helping the name and the brand of MLS to grow. That’s from a selfish standpoint. Let’s hope that he stays in Miami.”