Global football superstar Lionel Messi is embarking on a new venture, seeking to extend his influence beyond the football pitch.
On November 8, Sergio Agüero, the founder of KRÜ Esports, announced that Messi is now the organization’s newest co-owner.
The news has already sparked great interest in the esports world, bolstered by Messi’s status as arguably the best football player ever.
Lionel Messi becomes the co-owner of KRÜ Esports
For esports enthusiasts who may not be familiar with football, Lionel Messi is a living legend in the sport. He’s achieved remarkable success, boasting an astounding eight Ballon d’Ors, which are awarded to the best football player in the world.
In 2022, Messi led the Argentine national football team to a historic World Cup victory, solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Notably, Messi made waves in 2023 when he left Paris Saint-Germain, one of the world’s top football clubs, and embarked on an unexpected journey to the United States to play for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi’s foray into esports was not only a surprising move but also a testament to his strong connection with his former competitor and teammate, Sergio Agüero — with the two known to be good friends.
The two Argentine soccer stars have a history of fierce competition and camaraderie, having both played in the prestigious Spanish La Liga football league between 2006 and 2011.
Agüero and Messi also donned the same national jersey, representing Argentina in multiple World Cups throughout the 2010s.
Messi’s entry into esports represents the latest move by a prominent football star into the competitive gaming industry.
In joining forces with Agüero, he follows in the footsteps of other football icons like David Beckham, who co-owns the British organization Guild Esports, and Gerard Piqué, the co-founder of the Spanish esports organization KOI.
KRÜ has gained prominence primarily through its Latin America Valorant team, which has consistently secured qualifications for various global Valorant LAN events. This impressive track record includes participation in every Valorant Champions tournament held thus far. Additionally, KRÜ’s Valorant team is an integral part of Riot Games’ Valorant partnership program, competing at a high level within the Americas League.
According to KRÜ’s official website, they have an all-female Valorant roster known as KRÜ Blaze, a competitive Rocket League team, and they represent many different popular streamers.
You can watch KRÜ Esports’ official announcement below.
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