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Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with millions of football fans expected to tune in for the blockbuster clash. While the world knows him for his achievements on the pitch, the Argentine star also has an interesting connection with the food world. His family runs a restaurant in his hometown of Rosario, has a restaurant venture in Barcelona, ​​and his hotel collection is home to a signature dining concept. Here’s a closer look.

VIP Rosario: The Family Restaurant In Messi’s Hometown In Argentina

Rosario isn’t just where Messi was born; it’s also home to VIP Rosario, a restaurant and bar that has been run by the Messi family for years. Located near the city’s National Flag Monument, the restaurant has welcomed locals and visitors alike since Lionel’s father, Jorge Messi, became one of its concession holders in 2009. Unlike celebrity-themed eateries filled with jerseys and trophies, VIP Rosario has built its reputation as a neighborhood dining spot where the focus remains firmly on the food and the experience.

Bellavista del Jardín del Norte: A Taste Of Argentina In Barcelona, ​​Spain

Messi’s family also ventured into the restaurant business in Spain with Bellavista del Jardín del Norte in Barcelona. The project was led by his brother, Rodrigo Messi, along with Spanish hospitality partners, and was inspired by the warmth of an Argentine town square. Designed as a place where people could gather over comforting food and conversation, the restaurant serves classic Argentine flavors in a relaxed setting.

Hincha: Fine Dining Inside Messi’s Hotel Collection

Many football fans know about MiM Hotels, the boutique hotel collection owned through Messi’s business interests. What many may not know is that several of these properties are home to Hincha, a restaurant concept created with Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients, offering guests a dining experience that complements the boutique hotel stay. While the restaurants operate within the MiM Hotels collection, the culinary concept is led by Jubany.

The Story Doesn’t End There

Messi’s connection with the food business extends beyond these restaurants. He has also been reported as an investor in El Club de la Milanesa, one of Argentina’s best-known restaurant chains specializing in the country’s iconic breaded cutlets. Recent reports have also linked members of the Messi family with Amalfi Llama in Miami, where the association has been reported in the context of investment rather than day-to-day ownership or operations.

For most fans, Lionel Messi will always be remembered for what he does with a football. His family’s ventures into hospitality, however, offer a different glimpse into the football icon’s world, one that brings together food, travel and business.