L
ionel Messi is ending the year with an unexpected move that's unrelated to soccer. He has listed his Spanish real-estate properties on a small stock exchange, valuing them at $232 million. The company, Edificio Rostower Socimi, is being traded as a real-estate investment trust (REIT) on the digital-only Portfolio Stock Exchange.

    Messi's decision was swift, with the company becoming an REIT in mid-December. The share price has been set at around $60. In Spain, REITs receive a lower tax rate than other companies, and investors often list them to meet legal requirements rather than raise funds.

    Born in Argentina, Messi spent most of his life in Spain, where he moved at age 12 to play for FC Barcelona's youth teams. He has since become one of the world's most recognizable athletes, with valuable memorabilia frequently selling on auction blocks. His Spanish real-estate holdings are substantial, despite posting losses over the past couple of years.

    As chairman of Rostower's board, Messi also owns properties outside Spain, including a $10.8 million waterfront mansion in South Florida and at least three multimillion-dollar condos in Miami. When he eventually retires from professional sports, he'll have numerous options for where to spend his time.