06/06/2026
Lionel Messi turned down the riches of Saudi Arabia and chose South Florida instead. Within months of signing with Inter Miami, he made another statement about the life he envisioned for his family: a $10.8 million waterfront estate in one of Fort Lauderdale’s most exclusive gated communities.
After an extensive search stretching from Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale, Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, settled on a modern two-story residence in Bay Colony, located just minutes from Inter Miami’s stadium. The purchase marked more than a real estate transaction—it signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the football icon and his family.
Spanning approximately 10,500 square feet, the home features eight bedrooms, nine-and-a-half bathrooms, a three-car garage, a chef’s kitchen, a private gym, an entertainment lounge, a home office, and even an indoor swimming pool. A dramatic 27-foot domed ceiling serves as the centerpiece of the residence, while the primary suite alone covers nearly 1,600 square feet.
Situated on a 0.44-acre cul-de-sac lot, the property boasts 170 feet of waterfront frontage and two private boat docks, offering direct access to South Florida’s boating lifestyle. Residents of Bay Colony also enjoy a private marina, tennis courts, and around-the-clock security, making it one of Fort Lauderdale’s most sought-after addresses.
Interior designer Lori Morris, who designed the home’s interiors, described the purchase as “an exciting chapter” for Messi, highlighting the property’s unique combination of luxury, privacy, and comfort.
The acquisition also represented a notable investment. The home had changed hands for approximately $9 million just one year earlier, meaning Messi paid a substantial premium in an already competitive luxury market.
The Fort Lauderdale estate joins Messi’s growing South Florida real estate portfolio, which also includes a $7.3 million full-floor condominium in Sunny Isles Beach. Combined with a compensation package from Inter Miami reportedly valued between $130 million and $150 million—including future equity in the club—the move underscores the long-term commitment Messi has made to both the city and the franchise.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Messi had countless options when deciding where to build his life after Europe. In the end, he chose something remarkably simple: a quiet waterfront cul-de-sac, a short drive from work, with room for his family, a dock for the boat, and the privacy to enjoy it all.
For a player who has spent his entire career under the brightest lights in world sport, that may be the most valuable luxury of all.
