Lionel Messi is expanding his business ventures into football club ownership, having acquired Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense. He bought UE Cornella, a fifth-tier club, in April. More recently, on 1 October, Messi was announced as the new owner of CD Eldense, a second-division club, a move which awaits authorisation from the Spanish sports council, the CSD.
Messi's involvement in club ownership also extends to Uruguay, where he co-founded Deportivo LSM with Luis Suarez in May 2025. The club achieved promotion to the country's third tier in its inaugural season.
These developments come as Messi prepares to play his 208th and final match for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires. His club career with Inter Miami is set to continue until at least the end of the 2028 season, with a potential for renewal.
Beyond football, Messi's business portfolio includes MiM Hotels, a chain of six boutique properties managed by Melia, and investments in property development in Rosario. He is also a partner in the restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa and has a multi-year deal for a mate collection with Stanley.