The headline would represent one of the most extraordinary managerial appointments in football history. However, there is currently no credible evidence that Sunderland have appointed Lionel Messi as their head coach. Current reporting identifies Régis Le Bris as Sunderland’s manager heading into the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest-ever players, would bring enormous global attention to Sunderland if such an appointment were ever confirmed. His experience at the highest level of the game and his extraordinary playing career would make any move into management a major story.
