As the football world holds its breath, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have unveiled a tantalizing new venture, Deportivo LSM, a club set to debut in Uruguay’s fourth-tier Divisional D in 2026.
Announced on May 27, 2025, via a stirring social media video, the club’s name, “Deportivo LSM,” has sparked fervent speculation.

Deportivo LSM traces its roots to Deportivo LS, founded by Suarez on 17th February 2021 in Ciudad de la Costa, Uruguay, as a family-driven initiative to nurture young talent. The initial focus was on youth development and community engagement, aiming to provide opportunities for local talent outside the capital, Montevideo. The club has since flourished, boasting over 3,000 members and a Ciudad Deportiva with fields, a 1,400-seat mini-stadium, gyms and more.
Now Lionel Messi’s joining as a co-owner, leading to the rebranding of the club as Deportivo LSM. This partnership transformed the club into a “Sociedad Anonima Deportiva (SAD)”, reflecting its professional aspirations. The added “M” and a green-and-black crest signalling their joint endeavour and also reflect their shared commitment to elevating Uruguayan football.
The name “LSM” likely stands for “Luis Suarez and Messi,” a belief fueled by several factors. The transition from Deportivo LS, referencing Suarez, to LSM aligns with Messi’s entry, mirroring their personal brands. It also celebrates their deep friendship, forged during their Barcelona days, where they won multiple titles, and reinforced by their families’ closeness and reunion at Inter Miami. Strategically, “LSM” leverages their global fame to boost the club’s profile, attracting sponsors and talent to a fourth-tier outfit. Above all, it embodies their vision of fostering youth development, as Suarez noted, providing “possibilities and tools” for young players.
Deportivo LSM is more than a name as it marks Messi and Suarez’s shift from players to football visionaries. At 38 and 37, they’re channelling their passion into a long-lasting legacy. Starting in Divisional D, the club aims to climb Uruguay’s football ranks, with fans on social media buzzing about its potential to rival giants like Penarol. The name “LSM” has ignited excitement, symbolizing their ambition to shape the next generation. Though “LSM” awaits official confirmation, its link to their initials resonates, heralding a bold venture to transform the sport’s future.