Leones de Rosario FC

Leones de Rosario FC is an Argentine football club based in Alvear, Santa Fe, founded on January 2, 2015, by the Lionel Messi family. The club is presided over by Matías Messi, Lionel's older brother, with María Sol Messi and Tomás Matías Messi also on the executive committee. It operates as an Asociación Civil, reflecting its community-oriented roots.

The club currently competes in the Torneo Unificado de Ascenso B, the second tier of the Asociación Rosarina de Fútbol, but is set to make a historic leap into professional football. Leones de Rosario FC has earned promotion to Primera C, the fourth division of the Argentine league system, for the 2026 season. Under head coach Franco Ferlazzo and sports manager Daniel Quinteros, the club is building a competitive squad. The club also runs a women's football section, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity and development. [edit]

The club's ascent from local Rosario leagues to Argentina's professional ranks is a story of family ambition and grassroots development. Founded in 2015, Leones de Rosario FC spent its early years competing in the Asociación Rosarina de Fútbol, where it built a solid foundation. The turning point came with promotion to Primera C, a milestone that placed the club among professional teams for the first time.

Lionel Messi's involvement has been a constant source of attention. He attended matches in person, including a fixture against Central Córdoba in Primera C, and followed the team's debut on his cellphone. The club's growth has been steady, with a squad of 20 players averaging 27.1 years old, including one foreign player. Off the pitch, the club has forged agreements with other institutions, though specifics remain under wraps. [edit]