Lionel Messi, Barcelona manager?! Blaugrana urged to appoint club icon and Inter Miami superstar as outgoing Xavi's replacement

Posted Thursday, February 01, 2024 by Goal.com

Lionel Messi has been tipped to become the next manager of Barcelona, following Xavi's announcement that he will be moving on in the summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The legendary Spanish midfielder will call time on his spell in charge of the Catalan giants after two-and-half years at the helm. He sensationally announced he will be stepping down as Barcelona boss last Saturday, leaving many to wonder who will take over. According to talkSPORT's Danny Murphy, that man should be Messi, as everything the Inter Miami star touches "turns to gold".

WHAT MURPHY SAID
The former Liverpool and England midfielder argued: "I’d give it to Messi. The fans are on board straight away. Everything he touches turns to gold. He was put on this earth to do amazing things. It’s not going to stop in management."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi taking over from his former team-mate in Catalonia would certainly be a surprise move, not least due to it being his first job in management. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner told Star+ in 2022 that he doesn't intend to go into coaching and instead would prefer a role behind the scenes, such as "sporting director or [in] team building". That latter role seems likely for Messi at Barcelona, given how much he is still revered there.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Another major stumbling block to Murphy's surprise suggestion is that the Argentine is contracted to MLS side Inter Miami until 2025. He is currently preparing for a date against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on Thursday, although the Saudi club confirmed on Wednesday that Messi's eternal rival would miss that contest through injury.