Soccer legend Lionel Messi has cemented his place in the history books as one of the greatest players in the sport after earning the all-time record for the most goals scored by a single player in the FIFA World Cup during Argentina’s match-up against Austria.
The so-called soccer GOAT officially surpassed the previous record of 16 World Cup goals set by Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the competition’s leading all-time scorer, netting a 19th goal during the team’s game against Jordan, which they won 3-1. He does, however face tough competition from French player Kylian Mbappé, who trails just one goal behind.
Still, Messi’s record was the icing on the cake for the team, which ended the group stages of the competition without a single loss, setting up a highly-anticipated Group of 32 game against Cabo Verde today at the HardRock Stadium in Miami, the 39-year-old’s U.S. home base.
The powerhouse player has been based in Miami for several years now, having been lured to join Inter Miami CF in America’s Major League Soccer by the team’s co-owner, David Beckham, in 2023.
His three-year stint with the Florida-based squad sets him up for yet another triumphant run on semi-home soil this evening—where he will attempt to lead his team through to the next stage of the tournament, bringing them one step closer to World Cup victory.
Messi also comes into the game with a home advantage, having relocated his entire family to Miami when he joined the local club, snapping up not one, but two dwellings in the Florida city during the short time he has lived there.
Now, as he sets his sights on a home turf win, Realtor.com® reveals a glimpse inside those dazzling Miami dwellings—and Messi’s many other impressive properties.
Inside Lionel Messi’s incredible Florida homes
Messi snapped up a $10.8 million waterfront compound in Fort Lauderdale, FL, just months after signing his Inter Miami deal.
The 10,400-square-foot, eight-bedroom dwelling is every bit as sleek and luxurious as you might expect.
Messi’s home is filled with sparkling chandeliers, a cream-and-black color palette, and modern lines. The property is a part of the private neighborhood known as Bay Colony and sits on a cul-de-sac with 170 feet of water frontage.
Designed by Canadian interior decorator Lori Morris, the mansion abounds with upscale finishes and chic glamour. The enormous rooms feature plush textures, pops of gold, and lofty ceilings—even a 27-foot dome in the entryway.
The Italian kitchen alone is worthy of a magazine spread and includes luxe appliances, a gorgeous island, and high-end cabinetry.
Each of the eight bedrooms is its own mini suite, offering privacy and luxury for family members and friends.
Among the home’s other swanky amenities are a fitness room/spa, an entertainment lounge, office space, and a fabulous 1,600-square-foot primary retreat.
Outside, there are two docks for watercraft of any kind, plus a heated pool and a gorgeous, water-facing patio.
This past April, Messi established even more roots in the Sunshine State by garnering four units at the Cipriani Residences Miami condominium, according to the Wall Street Journal.
One of the units was sold to the soccer superstar for $7.5 million and comes complete with four bedrooms and sprawls across 3,500 square feet.
The building boasts several amenities, including two lavish pools, a residents-only restaurant, a speakeasy and catering.
It is currently under construction and expected to close in 2028.
Fly over to Messi’s Argentina abode
In 2022, the soccer legend picked up a sprawling property in his home country.
After having won the World Cup for his country, he returned to his hometown of Rosairo.
At the time, he began construction on the home, which has been nicknamed “The Fortress.”
Messi splashed out $4 million on the property, which comes complete with 25 rooms, a movie theater, a gym, and an underground garage with 15 cars as per Robb Report.
Messi’s Ibiza retreat
In 2022, the athlete also expanded his horizons to Ibiza, and picked up a $12.8 million on a home, as per The Sun.
Despite its several lavish amenities, the home was filled with “planning problems,” which were caused by rooms that had been added to the garage before the soccer star purchased it.
Because of the issues, the property didn’t come along with a certificate of occupancy.
However, that didn’t stop Messi and his wife from lounging at the retreat during the summer.
The home sprawls across 20,000 square feet and boasts a lavish pool that’s almost the same length as the house itself.
