Football star Lionel Messi has expanded his property portfolio in South Florida with the purchase of a waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s Bay Colony neighbourhood.
This acquisition comes on the heels of Messi’s new $150 million, two-and-a-half-year contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF, partially owned by David Beckham.
Messi, 36, is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and recently led Argentina to a 4-2 victory over France in the 2022 World Cup.
Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo spent $10.75 million in an off-market transaction for the two-storey residence, situated close to Inter Miami’s Drive Pink Stadium and its adjoining training facility, according to the Robb Report.
Samuel Simpkin and Donna Simpkin from Team Simpkin at Compass represented Messi, while Jennifer Abbott of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty acted for the sellers.
Built in 1988 and purchased by John and Stacy Dickerson for $9 million in May 2022, the mansion has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
It features walls of glass that lead to a pool with a waterfall and spa, and has two docks along 52m of Intracoastal Waterway frontage.
The house sits on almost half an acre, bordered by palm trees.
A spacious driveway adjoins a three-car garage.
The interior, designed by Lori Morris, features a black and white colour scheme with porcelain tile floors, and accents of metal and jewel tones.
Notable rooms include a foyer with a Murano glass and gold light fixture, an Italian kitchen with high-end appliances, and a master suite with a spa-inspired bathroom.
Messi also owns multiple properties in the Miami suburb of Sunny Isles Beach, including two units in the Porsche Design Tower valued at $10.3 million, and a $7.4 million condo in the Regalia building.
Reports indicate he has also purchased a unit in the Bentley Residences building, due for completion in 2026.
