Lionel Messi lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a $10.8 million waterfront mansion he purchased in September 2023. The property features 10 bedrooms, two boat docks, and direct bay access. He also owns a condo in Miami’s Porsche Design Tower, bringing his total South Florida real estate portfolio to over $20 million.
Messi’s Primary Residence in Fort Lauderdale
You’ll find Messi’s main home in Bay Colony, an exclusive Fort Lauderdale neighborhood. He bought the 10,500-square-foot mansion for $10.8 million in September 2023, shortly after joining Inter Miami CF.
The property sits on the Intracoastal Waterway. It gives Messi direct water access and complete privacy from public roads. The home includes 10 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms across three stories.
Key features include:
- 170 feet of waterfrontage
- Two boat docks with space for yachts up to 100 feet
- Italian kitchen with custom cabinetry
- Spa room with massage and treatment areas
- Wine cellar
- Home gym
- Infinity pool overlooking the water
The neighborhood offers 24-hour security and is home to several high-net-worth individuals. Properties in Bay Colony rarely come on the market, with median prices exceeding $8 million.
His Miami Condo at Porsche Design Tower
Before buying the Fort Lauderdale mansion, Messi purchased a unit at Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach. He paid $7.3 million for the condo in 2019, well before his MLS move.
The building stands out for one reason: a car elevator that takes vehicles directly to residential units. Messi can park his collection inside his apartment, visible from his living space through glass walls.
His unit features:
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 3,555 square feet of interior space
- Private balcony with ocean views
- Access to building amenities, including pools, spa, and fitness center
The tower, completed in 2016, has 60 floors and only 132 units. Other residents include soccer players and international business executives.
Why Messi Chose South Florida
Florida’s tax structure played a major role in Messi’s decision. The state has no income tax, which saves high earners millions annually. For someone earning Messi’s reported $20.4 million base salary with Inter Miami, the savings add up quickly.
Miami’s location offers other benefits. The city has direct flights to Argentina, where Messi’s family still has strong ties. The area also has a large Spanish-speaking population, making the cultural transition easier for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons.
The weather matches Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate better than most U.S. cities. South Florida’s year-round warmth lets Messi maintain his training routine without seasonal disruptions.
Inter Miami’s stadium, DRV PNK Stadium, sits just 30 minutes from his Fort Lauderdale home. The commute is manageable even with South Florida traffic.
Messi’s Global Real Estate Portfolio
Messi owns properties beyond Florida. His main home in Barcelona, purchased in 2009, sits in the upscale Castelldefels area. The $7 million property has views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Catalan hills.
He also bought a luxury apartment in Miami’s Trump Royale tower in 2019 for $5 million. This purchase came years before his Inter Miami contract, showing his long-term interest in the area.
In Rosario, Argentina, his hometown, Messi maintains a private residence in a gated community. The property allows him to visit family while maintaining security and privacy.
His real estate choices follow a clear pattern: waterfront locations, gated communities, and cities with strong security infrastructure. Every property offers privacy and quick access to airports.
Inside the Fort Lauderdale Mansion
The Bay Colony home went through renovations before Messi moved in. Previous owners had updated the kitchen and bathrooms, but Messi’s team made additional changes to fit his family’s needs.
The main living areas face the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light throughout the day. The open floor plan connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces without walls.
The outdoor area includes:
- Heated infinity pool
- Summer kitchen with built-in grill
- Covered patio with fans
- Dock space for water sports equipment
- Private yacht access
The property’s layout gives each family member space. Messi’s three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, each have their own bedrooms. A separate guest wing handles visitors without disrupting the main living areas.
The home office overlooks the water, giving Messi a quiet space for sponsorship meetings and business calls. Smart home technology controls lighting, temperature, and security from any room.
How His Home Compares to Other Athletes
Messi’s $10.8 million purchase falls in line with other top athletes in South Florida. Tom Brady owns a $17 million mansion on Indian Creek Island, about 20 miles from Messi’s home. David Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner, bought a $24 million penthouse in Miami’s One Thousand Museum tower.
The waterfront access matters more to some athletes than others. Messi’s boat docks match his lifestyle, though he’s not known as an avid boater like some NFL or NBA stars.
His choice of Fort Lauderdale over Miami Beach or Brickell shows a preference for privacy over nightlife. The Bay Colony neighborhood has fewer paparazzi and tourist crowds than South Beach.
Security features matter most to international athletes. Messi’s home has gated access, security cameras, and distance from public streets. These features cost more but provide peace of mind for families in the public eye.
The Neighborhood and Local Amenities
Bay Colony sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents access both bodies of water without leaving the neighborhood. The area has its own private beach club, though Messi’s property gives him direct water access.
Local schools serve the area, but many celebrity families choose private education. Pine Crest School and American Heritage School, both top-rated private institutions, are within 20 minutes of the neighborhood.
Shopping and dining options include:
- Las Olas Boulevard (5 miles away)
- Galleria Fort Lauderdale mall (4 miles)
- Multiple Whole Foods and specialty grocers
- Argentine steakhouses and Latin American restaurants
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 15 minutes from home. Miami International Airport, with more direct international flights, takes about 35 minutes in normal traffic.
The area has excellent medical facilities. Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Health are both Level 1 trauma centers within 20 minutes. This matters for professional athletes who need quick access to sports medicine specialists.
Property Value and Market Trends
Messi bought the home at market rate. The seller had listed it for $12.9 million before accepting Messi’s $10.8 million offer. This $2.1 million discount was common in 2023, when higher interest rates slowed luxury real estate sales.
Fort Lauderdale waterfront properties have appreciated 23% since 2020, according to Redfin data from early 2024. Messi’s purchase should hold value well, given the location and waterfront access.
The Bay Colony neighborhood has limited inventory. Only three homes sold there in 2023, making comparable sales data sparse. When properties do sell, they typically stay on the market for fewer than 60 days.
Property taxes in Broward County run about 1.1% of assessed value annually. For Messi’s home, that means roughly $120,000 per year in property taxes. Florida’s homestead exemption doesn’t apply since he’s not a U.S. citizen, though he still benefits from no state income tax.
Insurance costs for waterfront properties have jumped in recent years. Hurricane coverage alone can cost $50,000 to $100,000 annually for homes in this price range and location.
FAQs
Does Messi own or rent his Florida home?
Messi owns the Fort Lauderdale mansion. He purchased it for $10.8 million in September 2023. He also owns a condo at Porsche Design Tower, making him a property owner rather than a renter in South Florida.
How many properties does Messi own worldwide?
Messi owns at least four major properties: his Fort Lauderdale mansion, his Porsche Design Tower condo, his Barcelona home in Castelldefels, and a residence in Rosario, Argentina. He previously owned an apartment in Miami’s Trump Royale.
Can you visit Messi’s neighborhood?
Bay Colony is a private, gated community. You cannot enter without resident permission or a verified appointment. The neighborhood prioritizes security and privacy for all residents.
How far is Messi’s home from Inter Miami’s stadium?
The drive from Bay Colony to DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The stadium is roughly 12 miles from his home.
Why did Messi choose Fort Lauderdale over Miami?
Fort Lauderdale offers more privacy and less tourist traffic than Miami Beach or downtown Miami. The waterfront properties in Bay Colony provide security and direct water access. The area also has excellent schools and is closer to Inter Miami’s training facilities.
