Allegri Claims Ronaldo and Messi Lack “Hunger” to Become Managers

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has delivered a bold verdict on football’s two most celebrated icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Speaking about their potential futures in the game, Allegri dismissed the idea that either man would transition into management, arguing that their immense wealth and unrivaled success on the pitch has left them with little incentive to endure the pressures of coaching.

Too Much Success to Start Over

“I don’t think Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enough hunger to become football managers,” Allegri said. “They’ve had so much success as players both on and off the field. They became billionaires while still playing football professionally, so rest assured they won’t be happy with the contracts offered to be a coach.”

Allegri’s comments reflect a growing belief within football circles that the modern era’s superstar athletes, who earn vast sums through both wages and sponsorships, may be less inclined to pursue coaching careers compared to earlier generations.

Legends of the Game

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are arguably the two greatest footballers of all time, amassing a staggering collection of trophies, records, and accolades. Between them, they hold 13 Ballon d’Or titles, have scored more than 1,500 senior goals, and dominated European football for nearly two decades.

Off the pitch, both built global empires. Ronaldo became the first footballer to surpass $1 billion in career earnings, while Messi has consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. Endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, and luxury fashion houses have only solidified their status as sporting billionaires.

For Allegri, this unprecedented financial stability diminishes any appetite they might have for the grueling, often thankless work of football management.

Allegri’s Alternative: Club Ownership

Instead of seeing them in the dugout, Allegri suggested Ronaldo and Messi should follow the example set by David Beckham. The former England captain used his star power and financial resources to launch Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club that has since signed Messi himself.

“The best thing for them is to follow in David Beckham’s footsteps and have their own football clubs because both can afford it,” Allegri explained. “They won’t even have problems finding supporters for their clubs because they are already the most popular and loved footballers in the world.”

In Beckham’s case, Inter Miami’s profile skyrocketed with Messi’s arrival in 2023, reinforcing the idea that global icons can use ownership to expand their influence on the sport without enduring the grind of training sessions and tactical preparations.

The Harsh Realities of Coaching

Management in football is often described as one of the toughest jobs in sport. Coaches endure long hours, constant media scrutiny, and the never-ending pressure to deliver results. Even legends of the game such as Diego Maradona, Thierry Henry, and Andrea Pirlo found mixed success when they transitioned to the sidelines.

Allegri himself has experienced the highs and lows of management. After guiding Juventus to multiple Serie A titles and a Champions League final, he knows firsthand how unforgiving the role can be. His comments on Ronaldo and Messi reflect not only their circumstances but also his intimate knowledge of the sacrifices required.

“They made history in football and in financial life,” Allegri added. “They don’t need the stress of management. Ownership makes more sense for them.”

Will Fans Agree?

Football fans are divided on whether Ronaldo or Messi would ever take up coaching. Supporters of Ronaldo often point to his obsessive work ethic and leadership qualities, imagining him as a demanding, high-intensity coach. Messi’s admirers counter with his unparalleled vision and football intelligence, arguing he could thrive as a tactician.

Yet Allegri’s perspective highlights the economic reality: neither player needs the job. Coaching salaries, even at elite clubs, pale in comparison to their lifetime earnings. For Ronaldo and Messi, management may not offer enough reward for the inevitable strain.

Following Beckham’s Blueprint

Beckham’s success in MLS demonstrates how ownership can extend a footballer’s legacy in ways management might not. Messi’s presence in Miami has drawn unprecedented attention to American soccer, boosting attendances, shirt sales, and global visibility.

If Ronaldo or Messi were to launch their own clubs—whether in Europe, the Middle East, or even in emerging football markets—they would instantly attract fans, sponsors, and television deals. Such ventures would allow them to remain central to the game while avoiding the pitfalls of daily management.

Final Word

Massimiliano Allegri’s comments cut through the romantic notion of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi patrolling the touchline as managers. Instead, he argues their wealth, success, and global appeal make them better suited to ownership than coaching.

For two players who have redefined modern football, the next chapter of their legacy may not come in the dugout but in the boardroom—where, like Beckham, they can shape the future of the sport without compromising the triumphs of their past.