Lionel Messi, the football legend known for his incredible skills on the pitch, is making headlines off the field as well. Recently, he expanded his impressive property portfolio in Barcelona by acquiring the former Galerías Via Wagner building for a staggering €11.5 million. This acquisition, made through his real estate investment company, Edificio Rostower Socimi, signals Messi’s growing influence in the Catalonia property market, where he has concentrated most of his assets.
The former Galerías Via Wagner in Turó Park
Located in the upscale Turó Park area of Barcelona, the Galerías Via Wagner has been closed since 1993. Originally, this vibrant complex housed 87 retail units, but it fell victim to fragmented ownership and conflicting interests among shop proprietors, leading to its eventual shutdown. Spanning approximately 4,000 square metres, the building has remained dormant for over three decades, a stark contrast to the lively neighborhood surrounding it, characterized by elegant apartment blocks and lush green spaces.
The seller of this historic property was Santomera Bay, a private office led by Alejandro Alcaraz, who facilitated the transaction that has now placed the building in Messi’s capable hands.
Full refurbishment and plans for the rental market
The €11.5 million deal includes plans for a comprehensive refurbishment of the entire building. Once the renovation is complete, the property will be repositioned for the rental market. While specific details regarding the future layout remain undisclosed, the overarching goal is to breathe new life into a site that has been inactive for more than 30 years, transforming it back into a hub of commercial activity.
What is Edificio Rostower Socimi?
Edificio Rostower operates as a Spanish socimi (Sociedad Cotizada de Inversión en el Mercado Inmobiliario), a structure akin to a real estate investment trust. This company, owned by Messi and headquartered on Calle Urgell in Barcelona, has become a significant player in the local real estate market.
In early 2025, Messi took the company public on the Portfolio Stock Exchange, an alternative market. The shares debuted at €57.4 each, giving Edificio Rostower an initial valuation of €223.2 million. This move marked a pivotal step in Messi’s journey as a listed property investor, showcasing his ambition beyond the football field.
Key assets in Messi’s real estate portfolio
The Rostower building in Barcelona
One of the flagship assets of Edificio Rostower is the Rostower building itself, which lends its name to the company. This six-storey building, also approximately 4,000 m², is utilized for both office and commercial space, further solidifying Messi’s footprint in the Barcelona real estate landscape.
Other properties in Spain and internationally
Messi’s real estate portfolio is diverse, encompassing a mix of commercial and hospitality-linked assets. Highlights include:
- A 2,500 m² industrial warehouse in Sitges, currently leased to a supermarket chain
- A restaurant in Castelldefels
- Properties in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (Barcelona), Castelldefels, Cala Tarida (Ibiza), Paris, and London
MiM Hotels and hospitality investments
Beyond traditional real estate holdings, Messi has ventured into the hospitality sector with his MiM Hotels brand. These hotels, operated by Meliá Hotels International, are strategically located in popular destinations such as Sotogrande, Sitges, Ibiza, and Mallorca, showcasing Messi’s commitment to expanding his business interests. Additionally, he owns the Hincha restaurant brand, managed by renowned chef Nandu Jubany, further diversifying his portfolio.
Expansion beyond Spain: US-based family office
In tandem with his Spanish real estate operations, Messi has established a separate family office in the United States, where he currently resides while playing for Inter Miami. This US-based structure is designed to manage investments in startups through a company called Play Time, allowing Messi to diversify his capital into other strategic sectors. This expansion reflects his forward-thinking approach to wealth management and investment, ensuring that he remains a significant player both on and off the field.
