Lionel Messi: Ballon d’Or Winner Partners With Sergio Aguero in New Esports Business

• Lionel Messi is set to become the owner of e-sports company, KRU e-sports
• The Inter Miami forward will partner with former Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero
• Messi recently won the 2023 Ballon d'Or, the eighth of his successful career

Days after winning yet another Ballon d'Or title, Lionel Messi has decided to venture into a new business where he will partner with his former international teammate and close friend, Sergio Aguero.

Messi is currently enjoying the first part of his offseason before playing for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil later this month.

The Argentine skipper has partnered with Aguero's Esports company, KRU Esports.

"Sergio Kun Aguero, CEO of KRU Esports and former professional football player, and Lionel Messi, the best footballer of all time, seal an alliance as partners of KRU, the eSports organization created in 2020 by Kun."

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Aguero echoed the sentiments, expressing his delight in sharing the stage again with the eigh-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I am happy to share a club with Leo, of course, now in a new stage and with other challenges. It is an honour that he is part of KRU. He is the best footballer in history and also a great friend."

The former Manchester City striker's company has a team in VALORANT's VCT Americas and the Rockets League.

Marca reports that David de Gea, Cesar Azpilicueta and Casmeir are some of the other footballers who own eSports companies.

Lionel Messi pre-empts his retirement

Sports Brief has also reported that Messi has painted a sad picture of how his life in retirement would look like. At 36 years old, Messi is in the twilight of his career; that has been more than impressive, to say the least.

The former Barcelona captain has already ruled out a possible return to the European leagues. He also remained coy on whether he will lead Argentina's World Cup defence in 2026.

Speaking in his Apple documentary Messi meets America, the father of three hinted at never being able to fully get satisfied again after enjoying football his whole life.