Lionel Messi has established himself as one of the most successful athlete-entrepreneurs in the world. According to Bloomberg, the Argentine superstar joined the exclusive club of active billionaire athletes in 2026, following Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to Forbes, Messi ranks as the world’s second-highest-paid athlete in 2026, generating $130 million in total earnings. Notably, $70 million of that income comes from commercial partnerships and business ventures rather than his playing salary.
A holding company at the center of his empire
The foundation of Messi’s business portfolio is Limecu España 2010, a holding company named after his full name, Lionel Messi Cuccittini.
The company manages his image rights, sponsorship agreements with brands such as Adidas and Pepsi, and his broader licensing business. In 2023, Limecu España generated €109 million in revenue, representing nearly 50% year-over-year growth.
Real estate and hospitality
Messi’s European real estate assets are managed through Rostower SOCIMI, which owns a portfolio of hotels, office buildings, retail properties and residential real estate.
Listed on the stock market in 2023 as a REIT, the company reached a market capitalization of €223 million. In 2024, it reported €7.1 million in revenue while posting a €7.5 million loss.
In hospitality, Messi developed the MiM Hotels brand, with properties located in Ibiza, Mallorca, Andorra, Baqueira and Sotogrande. Each hotel features a signature “Messi Suite.” The business generated €5.7 million in profit in 2024 before entering a new operating partnership.
Expanding into football ownership
Messi has also become increasingly active as a football club owner and investor.
In April 2026, he acquired 100% of Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornellà, with the goal of turning the club into an international player development platform.
A year earlier, he co-founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside former teammate Luis Suárez. The club, which began in the country’s third division, has already attracted more than 3,000 members.
In Argentina, Leones de Rosario FC, chaired by his brother Matías Messi, also launched in 2026.
His agreement with Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas also gives Messi the opportunity to acquire an ownership stake in the MLS club once his playing career comes to an end.
Technology, media and sports innovation
Messi has diversified into technology through Play Time Sports-Tech HoldCo, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focused on sports innovation.
Its investments include KRÜ Esports, co-founded with Sergio Agüero, and Matchday.com, a digital platform designed to enhance the fan experience.
He also entered the entertainment industry by launching 525 Rosario, his own audiovisual production company, in 2024.
Restaurants, beverages and wine
Messi has also expanded aggressively into the food and beverage sector.
His restaurant chain was producing around 80 tonnes of milanesa every month by late 2025, supported by production facilities in Buenos Aires and Córdoba and a network of more than 70 restaurants across Argentina, Uruguay and the United States.
He has also introduced Más+, a sports hydration beverage, and L10 Wines, his own wine label.
From real estate and hospitality to football ownership, technology investments and consumer brands, Messi has built one of the most diversified business portfolios in global sport. His off-field ventures have transformed him from one of football’s greatest players into one of the industry’s most influential entrepreneurs.