What is Deportivo LSM? Messi and Suarez’s new football venture?

Messi & Suarez Reunite Off the Pitch to Revolutionize Football in Uruguay

Two of football’s most iconic forwards, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, have teamed up once again — not just on the field, but this time in club ownership. The legendary duo has co-founded Deportivo LSM, a football club based in Uruguay, with a bold mission: to develop local talent and uplift grassroots football.

🏟️ What is Deportivo LSM?

Originally founded in 2018 by Suarez under the name Deportivo LS, the club served as a community hub focused on nurturing young footballers and generating employment in underprivileged areas. With Messi’s arrival as a co-owner, the club is now rebranded as Deportivo LSM — the ‘M’ signifying the global icon’s involvement and support.

The aim? To create a pathway for Uruguayan youth to grow both on and off the pitch, with an emphasis on training, education, and social empowerment.

🔁 Why the Name Change to Deportivo LSM?

With Messi stepping in as a full-time partner, it was only fitting to reflect the collaboration in the club’s identity. The inclusion of the “M” in Deportivo LSM stands for “Messi”, signaling a new chapter in the club’s journey — one with increased global attention, resources, and ambition.

This change isn’t just symbolic; it marks a major expansion of the club’s goals, with both football legends planning to reshape how local talent is scouted, coached, and elevated to professional levels.

🏆 What’s Next for Deportivo LSM?

Deportivo LSM will officially enter Uruguay’s fourth-tier league, a professional division governed by the AUF (Uruguayan Football Association).

The club will also compete at youth levels, integrating into the country’s official football structure. With experienced backroom staff soon to be appointed, LSM isn’t just a vanity project — it’s a serious football initiative with long-term goals of building a development powerhouse.

🧠 Who Will Run the Club?

While Messi and Suarez will serve as co-founders and strategic overseers, the day-to-day operations will be handled by a sports manager with experience in Uruguayan football. This person will be responsible for everything from youth scouting to matchday logistics, ensuring the club is professionally run and locally relevant.

Expect announcements soon about the coaching staff, trials, academy programs, and potential sponsorships.

🤝 Messi & Suarez: More Than Just Teammates

From their magical years at Barcelona (2014–2020), where they formed one of the deadliest attacking duos in football history, to their current stint at Inter Miami, Messi and Suarez have shared a football bond built on friendship, understanding, and a shared love for the game.

Together, they won:

• 🏆 4 LaLiga titles
• 🏆 4 Copa del Rey trophies
• 🏆 1 UEFA Champions League (2015)
• ⚽ 13 major trophies in total with Barcelona

Now, they’re bringing that same chemistry into club ownership — only this time, they’re giving back.

Recent Glory at Inter Miami

In 2023, the duo reunited in MLS at Inter Miami, joining fellow ex-Barcelona stars like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Their experience and leadership helped guide the club to its first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024, making headlines and reigniting their magic.

Their on-field synergy is now evolving into something even bigger — an off-field legacy at Deportivo LSM.