Football legend Lionel Messi has revealed his impressive real-estate assets, with a portfolio valued at 223 million euros (US$232 million). The investment, carried out through his company Edificio Rostower Socimi, includes seven hotels, commercial properties, and residential buildings, according to a recent prospectus. The company has now been officially listed as a real estate investment trust (REIT).
Unlike his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is known for his high-profile business ventures, Messi has traditionally kept his investments under the radar. This move into the real estate sector, however, showcases a different side of the football star. While Messi is currently based in Miami playing for Inter Miami, his business interests span beyond his football career, especially as he brings his global status to bear on the U.S. market.
Rostower’s transition to becoming a REIT happened swiftly, with the company listing on December 30, just days after the Spanish government blocked an attempt to raise taxes on real estate trusts. The REIT’s favorable tax structure makes it an attractive vehicle for property investors, and listing on the Portfolio Stock Exchange allowed Messi to take advantage of Spain’s special tax regime for real estate investment trusts. The company is not required to meet free float conditions, meaning it does not need to publicly sell shares to raise funds.
The company’s assets, valued at US$232 million, encompass a variety of properties, including seven hotels, commercial real estate for offices and retail spaces, and several residential properties. Despite reporting losses in both 2022 and 2023, Rostower is a major player in the Spanish real estate market, with Messi as chairman of the board. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, also holds a seat on the board, emphasizing the personal nature of the investment.
While Messi’s real estate listing may seem like a sudden move, it aligns with his broader investment strategy. Born in Argentina and having spent much of his life in Spain as a player for FC Barcelona, Messi has now expanded his business footprint in Miami following his World Cup win with Argentina in 2022. His arrival in Miami has sparked a surge in interest for his MLS team, Inter Miami, and fueled growing business prospects in the U.S.
Although Messi is often viewed as a more reserved figure compared to other sports icons like Ronaldo, his latest venture into real estate underscores his growing influence off the field. As one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Messi’s strategic investments in both football and real estate could pave the way for future opportunities across various industries.
The listing on the Portfolio Stock Exchange, a smaller and less well-known market than Spain’s BME Growth index, has drawn attention for its unconventional approach. However, it also signals Messi’s keen awareness of tax advantages and long-term financial planning.
As the REIT continues to evolve, it’s clear that Lionel Messi’s business empire is expanding just as rapidly as his football career. With a US$232 million real estate portfolio now in play, the iconic athlete is proving that he’s not just a footballing legend – but a savvy investor as well.
