Football superstar Lionel Messi is expanding beyond the world of sports and into the entertainment industry by launching his own production company, 525 Rosario.
The new venture, which will be based in both Miami and Los Angeles, aims to produce film, TV, and branded commercial content, marking Messi’s latest move to solidify his presence on a global scale.
The company, 525 Rosario, takes its name from Messi’s hometown address in Rosario, Argentina. It was created in partnership with Smuggler Entertainment, the production company behind the Apple TV+ series Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend and Messi Meets America. Tim Pastore, who produced Messi’s World Cup and has worked on high-profile projects like Free Solo and Jane, will serve as CEO of the new venture.
Speaking about the project, Messi shared his excitement, saying, “Entertainment has always been a passion for me, whether that be on the pitch or in other areas. I’m really motivated by the opportunity to pursue the project we created with Smuggler Entertainment and to expand it further to create content and experiences on a global scale through this new venture.”
A Broad Focus on Storytelling
525 Rosario will focus on a variety of content, including unscripted documentaries, family-friendly programming, and branded storytelling in collaboration with advertisers. The company will be represented by WME, a well-known talent agency, as it aims to bring Messi’s vision of global storytelling to life.
Tim Pastore emphasized the company’s mission, stating, “This new venture aims to highlight and build upon everything Leo Messi stands for through not only massive premium content on a global scale but also community outreach and family-focused initiatives. We are very grateful to Leo and his family for the opportunity to create and partner on media experiences for local and worldwide audiences while pushing the boundaries of traditional genres.”
Following in the Footsteps of Other Sports Icons
With this move, Messi joins a growing number of sports stars who have ventured into content production. Athletes like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady have all launched their own production companies in recent years, seeking to use their global fame to produce meaningful content. Messi’s production company is set to follow a similar path, leveraging his immense popularity to produce content that resonates with a worldwide audience.
Messi is currently one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, ranking third globally with $135 million in earnings from both on and off the field, according to *Forbes*’ 2024 tally. This venture into entertainment allows Messi to expand his influence beyond sports, bringing his brand into the rapidly growing world of media and content production.
A Global Vision for Messi’s New Company
In a statement from Messi’s family, the goals for 525 Rosario were made clear: “The goal remains to inspire and connect with people around the world in a completely new way, and we are looking forward to this venture. We would like to continue advancing in the entertainment sector, bringing new initiatives and productions with global reach through innovative storytelling, programming, and experiences.”
As Messi continues to captivate fans on the football field with Inter Miami, he now embarks on a new journey that will allow him to inspire audiences around the world through his production company. With 525 Rosario, Messi is set to create content that not only reflects his values but also reaches new heights in the entertainment world.