PHOTO: Messi in action for Inter Miami. Picture: Getty
Renowned soccer sensation Lionel Messi and his spouse, Antonela Roccuzzo, have recently acquired a breathtaking waterfront residence in Florida for an astonishing sum of nearly $17 million, marking the final step in their relocation to the United States.
In an undisclosed, off-market transaction, the Argentine icon invested $10.8 million (equivalent to $16.81 million in Australian dollars) to secure the Fort Lauderdale property, situated within the tranquil confines of the Bay Colony gated community. This opulent abode spans an expansive 10,486 square feet (approximately 974 square meters) and boasts eight bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, and a capacious three-car garage. The property also includes quintessential Southern Florida amenities such as a splendid pool and two private docks, reminiscent of the luxurious estates found in exclusive Miami neighborhoods, often featured in renowned films like “Scarface.”
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Furthermore, its proximity to the Inter Miami soccer stadium aligns perfectly with Messi’s career move. Having clinched the World Cup victory for his homeland Argentina in December, Messi made his transition to Inter Miami in July. Notably, this team is under the ownership of prominent figures like David Beckham, Jorge and José Mas, along with various other investors.
Constructed in 1988, the residence occupies 0.44 acres of land in a serene cul-de-sac, boasting an impressive 170 feet of waterfront access. The house, envisioned by designer Lori Morris and previously showcased in Florida Design magazine, greets guests with a grand entrance featuring a soaring 27-foot-high domed ceiling. The interior is replete with a chef’s kitchen, a fully equipped home gym and spa, an inviting entertainment lounge, a dedicated home office, and a sprawling 1,600-square-foot primary bedroom suite. Remarkably, the property had changed hands for $9 million in May 2022 before Messi’s acquisition.
Notably, Messi also possesses three luxurious condominiums in the nearby Sunny Isles Beach area.
Presently, Messi finds himself with the Argentina national team in Bolivia, participating in a South American World Cup qualifier. Whether the superstar will be deemed fit to play remains uncertain, according to reports.