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Lionel Messi brought the World Cup trophy back to Argentina in 2022. Now, he's bringing the flavors of his homeland to the rest of the world.
The Inter Miami captain has become a global partner and shareholder in Argentine restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, which has a location in Miami, the restaurant announced in an Instagram post.
Reinaldo Bacigalupo, who oversees the restaurant's marketing and international development team, told Argentine soccer publication Mundo Albiceleste that Messi's involvement in the fast casual eatery happened after the global icon visited one of its locations in Rosario, where Messi was born.
"It was a normal lunch, but a big moment for us," Bacigalupo says. "Later, through mutual contacts, we were able to make a formal proposal."
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How Messi will be involved
Messi may be a silent partner in the restaurant for the foreseeable future. After all, he just signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, partly owned by fellow soccer legend David Beckham.
Bacigalupo says Messi may be incorporated into a future product line, and his involvement may grow over time. "Unlike other collaborations, here he's a co-owner. That implies a different type of commitment," Bacigalupo told Mundo Albiceleste.
The chain plans to open four more Miami locations by the end of December. Miami is one of the restaurant's two international locations, the other being in Uruguay, and Mundo Albiceleste says there are plans for it to expand to the west coast of the U.S. and parts of Europe.
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Messi adds to his long list of business investments
There's little doubt Messi's love for Argentina and its food played a part in this investment. His passion for his country was on full-display as he scored seven goals in seven games at the 2022 World Cup, which he helped them win for the first time since 1986. Messi has also yet to announce if he'll play with Argentina to defend their trophy at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi seems intent on establishing himself as a serious businessman.