Lionel Messi Runs Venture Capital Fund Play Time HoldCo Alongside Football Career

2026-09-01 · GoKawiil brief, based on reporting by entrepreneur.com (Jon Small) · Read the original →

GoKawiil Brief

Lionel Messi, who this week announced his retirement from Argentina's national team, has for years operated a venture capital fund called Play Time HoldCo, co-founded with Razmig Hovaghimian in October 2022 with an initial target of about $200 million. The fund holds stakes in AI startups including World Labs, Field AI, Fish Audio, Perceptron, Intangible and SuperAnnotate, and Messi separately holds equity in Sorare, KRÜ Esports, and Inter Miami, now valued at $1.45 billion.

Why It Matters

GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.

Messi's investment portfolio shows how top athletes are increasingly trading endorsement checks for equity stakes, betting on long-term ownership rather than one-time sponsorship fees. It signals a broader shift among sports stars toward building diversified wealth through startups and club ownership as their playing careers wind down.

Key Takeaways

Messi co-founded VC fund Play Time HoldCo in 2022, targeting roughly $200 million.
His portfolio spans AI startups, fantasy sports, esports and club ownership, including a stake in Inter Miami.
Athletes are shifting from sponsorship deals to equity investments for long-term financial security.

Worth a Look

Adidas Messi Club Soccer Ball — As fans mark the end of Messi's international career, an Adidas Messi-branded ball is a fun way to celebrate the GOAT on your own pitch. It's a durable machine-stitched ball built for backyard kickabouts, park sessions and training with kids inspired by the No. 10.

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Source: entrepreneur.com — Jon Small, 2026-09-01

Published there as: “While Fans Mourn Messi’s Retirement, He’s Quietly Running a Venture Capital Fund”

Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.