Soccer star Lionel Messi has ignited America’s futbol fever. The craze for tickets and merch inspired by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s debut this summer for Florida team Inter Miami has been dubbed Messi Mania—and from the looks of his most recent investment, the 36-year-old is putting down roots in the area. Messi just purchased a 10-bedroom, nine-and-a-half bathroom estate in Fort Lauderdale for $10.75 million.
The home is situated along a waterway in the gated community of Bay Colony and comes complete with a pool and a three-car garage. Images show a moody entryway covered in a dark wallpaper, but a decidedly brighter and more modern vibe is found throughout the rest of the abode. The open concept kitchen and living area feature recessed lighting, neutral-toned furnishings, and white walls, save for a standout black accent wall in the living space. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows are featured in each room pictured. Though photos of every space in the dwelling have not been made public yet, an area that looks to be a sprawling primary suite boasts plenty of room for lounge seating, as well as a balcony.
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Despite its eight-figure price tag, the 10,500-square-foot property could be considered a modest option considering the kind of capital that the world-famous athlete is working with. He will reportedly bring in $50 and $60 million annually via his Inter Miami contract; his estimated net worth is $600 million. AD weighed in on potential best options for Messi during his house hunt and singled out a few pads that all eclipse his new Bay Colony abode in price by no small fraction. One Miami architect went as far as to mock up a cruise-like, over-the-top $50 million concept mansion for the forward. But even with his mind-boggling bank account and larger-than-life influence, it seems the native Argentinian is content with more understated trappings than the resort-style wonderland some had envisioned for him.
Samuel and Donna Simpkin of Team Simpkin at Compass Florida represented the Messi family in the transaction. Jennifer Abbott with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller.
