Lionel Messi Joins KRÜ Esports as Co-Owner

Lionel Messi is diving into esports as co-owner of the company that his friend and fellow footballer Sergio Agüero founded.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is teaming up with Sergio Agüero once again, this time off the pitch and in the esports arena. Messi has joined his former teammate on the ownership board of KRÜ Esports, the company Agüero founded in 2020.

KRÜ Esports came about after Agüero began streaming his online gaming during the COVID-19 lockdown. KRÜ has since had teams compete in major esports such as Valorant and Rocket League.

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“I’m happy to share a club with Leo, of course now in a new stage and with other challenges,” Agüero told Esports Illustrated. “It’s an honour to have him as a part of KRÜ. He’s the best footballer in history, and he’s also a great friend. He is a figure who inspires everyone and will be a great addition to the scene as a whole.”

Considering this is the longest break between seasons of Messi’s career, it makes sense that he’s choosing now to expand his business portfolio. Despite Miami having a stellar second half following Messi’s summer arrival, the team’s first-half struggles were not enough to catapult them into the MLS Playoffs. The next time we’ll see the 36-year-old take the pitch will be Thursday, Nov. 16, when Argentina plays Uruguay in a huge FIFA World Cup qualifier match. Five days later, the reigning champions take on storied rivals Brazil.

As for Messi’s primary job with Inter Miami, the David Beckham-owned club reportedly inked a deal with another one of Messi’s former colleagues. Sources told ESPN in Uruguay that Luis Suarez is headed stateside on a one-year deal with an option to renew for a second season. A one-time Champions League winner with Barcelona, the veteran center-forward could provide some much-needed help as Miami looks to compete in its first full season with football’s undisputed GOAT.