Messi and Suarez Launch Uruguayan Venture
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, whose on-pitch chemistry dazzled at Barcelona and Inter Miami, have embarked on a new venture, co-founding Deportivo LSM, a club set to compete in Uruguay's professional football structure. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant step for the Uruguayan project Suarez started in 2018.
A Shared Vision
Originally founded as Deportivo LS in Ciudad de la Costa, the club focused on nurturing local talent and creating community opportunities. Rebranded as Deportivo LSM to honour Messi's involvement, it will now enter Uruguay's fourth division under the Uruguayan FA (AUF). 'This project is the perfect place to continue sharing our vision of football,' Suarez said in an Instagram video, revealing he invited his 'friend' Messi to join the professional venture.
From Pitch to Project
The duo's partnership, forged during six trophy-laden seasons at Barcelona, saw them claim 13 major titles, including the 2015 Champions League and four LaLiga crowns. Reunited at Inter Miami in 2023, alongside ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, they led the MLS side to the 2024 Supporters' Shield. Now, their off-field collaboration aims to build a legacy in Uruguay, with the pair overseeing operations and appointing a local sports manager.
Suarez's Dream Expands
Suarez, Uruguay's record goalscorer, launched Deportivo LS to give back to his homeland, growing it to over 3,000 members with robust infrastructure. 'A family dream that started in 2018,' he called it, expressing pride in its expansion into professional and youth competitions. Messi, 37, thanked Suarez for the opportunity, vowing to 'contribute as much as I can to continue growing' the club.
A New Chapter for Uruguay
Deportivo LSM's entry into professional football signals ambition for Uruguayan football's lower tiers. With Messi and Suarez's global stature, the project is poised to inspire young players and elevate the sport's profile in the region. As the duo swap the spotlight of the pitch for the boardroom, their enduring friendship continues to shape football's future.
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