Lionel Messi’s legacy in Argentina has already been cemented after breaking data with the nationwide staff and capturing two Copa América titles and one World Cup. Now, that legacy is about to develop even additional as his family-owned membership, Leones FC, prepares to show skilled for the primary time in its historical past.
Leones de Rosario Fútbol Membership was based in 2015 in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, situated in Argentina’s Santa Fe province. With the Messi household main the challenge, Lionel’s brother Matías Horacio Messi serves because the membership’s prime government, his sister María Sol is an alternate board member, and his nephew Tomás Matías Messi acts as an alternate auditor.
Since its founding, the membership has competed in native tournaments whereas steadily working its manner towards Argentina’s skilled ranks. That journey now seems to have been fast-tracked following a decision printed on the identical day Lionel Messi signed his new contract with Inter Miami.
In accordance with Official Bulletin No. 6752 from the Argentine Soccer Affiliation (AFA), the doc reads: “Affiliation of Leones Fútbol Membership (Rosario, Province of Santa Fe) to compete within the Primera ‘C’ Division ranging from the 2026 season [in accordance with Article 10, Section 1, Subsection d), Article 11, and Article 25, Subsection m) of the Statute].”
Leones Fútbol Membership badge.
On account of the decision, Leones de Rosario FC will skip the Torneo Promocional Newbie (Argentina’s fifth division) and transfer immediately into Primera C, the nation’s fourth tier. The choice has sparked blended reactions amongst followers, with some questioning the legitimacy of the transfer, whereas others see it as a gesture of appreciation towards Messi’s household for his contributions to the nationwide staff.
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Though Lionel Messi has no direct involvement with Leones de Rosario FC, his affect extends elsewhere in South American soccer. In 2025, the Argentine star partnered along with his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez to discovered Deportivo LSM (representing their initials) in Uruguay.
Deportivo LSM at the moment sits atop Uruguay’s Divisional D (the nation’s fourth and lowest tier) alongside Rincón FC, boasting six wins and two losses. Each Messi and Suárez have proven their assist by way of movies and motivational messages on social media, emphasizing their dedication to constructing a membership that would in the future compete on the skilled degree.
