Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez Announce Their Brand New Soccer Club

Suarez’s video explains why he pursued the project and later reveals Messi’s involvement. Messi will work with Suarez in building the new Uruguayan club.

Deportivo LSM will not immediately join the first division of Uruguay, the Uruguayan Primera Division. They are likely to start in the fourth division of Uruguayan professional soccer. 

Luis Suarez: "We [Messi] have shared similar experiences in the elite of soccer, and that's why today I'd like to present a friend, a teammate, who has a lot in common with me. This project is perfect to share our vision in soccer."

Lionel Messi on Deportivo LSM

Lionel Messi spoke about being a part of the project from the beginning, alongside Suarez. The Argentine shares that he wanted to be a part of it since it involved Suarez. 

While the club is based in Uruguay, it could open the door for Messi to invest in other clubs in the future. Messi may be open to creating a club in Argentina or holding shares of a current club. 

Lionel Messi: "First, I'd like to thank Luis [Suarez] for giving me this opportunity. For inviting me to join him. For sharing this project that he has worked on for many years now. It has grown a lot. I hope to give all my support to grow [the club] alongside [Suarez]."

Lionel Messi to co-own Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi already has an option to co-own a club in the MLS. When he signed his contract for Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, it is reported that one of the perks in the contract is the option to co-own Inter Miami in the future.

This offer would be valid after Messi ends his career. The co-owners of Inter Miami are Jorge and Jose Mas, Marcelo Claure, Masa Son, and David Beckham. Since the arrival of Messi, the club's value has grown a lot.

According to reports from last year, before Messi's arrival, Inter Miami's value was worth around $586 million. Now, the club is worth around $1.03 billion, a 72% increase in value.