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rgentine football star Lionel Messi has listed his real estate portfolio as a Spanish Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), valuing it at €223 million ($232 million). The REIT, Edificio Rostower Socimi, comprises seven hotels, commercial properties, and residential units.

    Despite being owned by Messi, the company reported losses in 2022 and 2023. Its shares were priced at €57.40 on December 30 and listed on the Portfolio Stock Exchange, a smaller digital-only bourse. This move is unusual as most Spanish REITs opt for the more prominent BME Growth index.

    The listing came after a proposal to increase taxes on real estate trusts was blocked in parliament, allowing Rostower to benefit from Spain's favorable tax regime for REITs. Notably, Rostower lacks free float requirements, suggesting the listing serves to meet legal prerequisites rather than raise funds. The trust has told the exchange it plans to open up to new investors.

    The Portfolio Stock Exchange, launched in 2023 and overseen by the Bank of Spain, only permits trading when a company aims to sell shares or raise capital. As a result, Messi's REIT has yet to trade on the market.