Lionel Messi Launching Production Company

Global soccer star Lionel Messi is launching a production company.

525 Rosario is named after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s Argentina hometown and has been formed with Smuggler Entertainment, which produced Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend and Messi Meets America.

The JV will make family shows through the development and production of premium TV, film, live sporting and community events, it said, as well as the production of branded content and commercials for athletes, including Messi.

Headquartered in Miami and LA, and repped by WME, 525 Rosario will operate under the supervision of the Messi family, with Tim Pastore of Smuggler Entertainment serving as CEO.

“Entertainment has always been a passion for me whether that be on the pitch or in other areas,” said Messi, who plays soccer for Inter Miami. “I’m really motivated by the opportunity to pursue the project we created with Smuggler Entertainment and to expand it further to create content and experiences on a global scale through this new venture.”

Pastor said 525 Rosario will “highlight and build upon everything Leo Messi stands for through not only massive premium content on a global scale but also community outreach and family-focused initiatives.”

Widely considered the greatest soccer star of all time, the Argentine is the latest in a long line of global sports stars to move into the entertainment production game. The likes of David Beckham, LeBron James and Steph Curry all run production outfits.