Everyone thinks they know where the GOAT sleeps. Since Lionel Messi touched down in South Florida to join Inter Miami CF, the frenzy has been nonstop. You’ve seen the blurry drone shots. You’ve heard the rumors about "football-shaped" mansions.
But honestly? The reality of the Messi house in Miami is a lot more suburban—and a lot more expensive—than the viral TikToks suggest.
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He didn't build a giant soccer ball house. That was a concept by architect Luis de Garrido that never actually happened. Instead, Leo went for a $10.75 million waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale’s ultra-private Bay Colony. It's not technically "in" Miami, but in the South Florida luxury world, that's a distinction without a difference.
The $10.75 Million Fortress in Bay Colony
Privacy is the only currency that matters when you're the most famous person on the planet. Messi’s primary residence is tucked away at 91 Compass Lane. It’s a gated community within a gated community.
Think 10,500 square feet of pure modern luxury.
The house has eight bedrooms and nine and a half bathrooms. That's a lot of space for Antonela and the three boys. It sits on a cul-de-sac, which is basically real estate speak for "don't even try to drive past here."
The Numbers That Actually Matter
- Price Tag: $10.75 million (purchased in September 2023).
- Waterfront: 170 feet of frontage with two private docks.
- Master Suite: A massive 1,600 square feet. That's bigger than most New York apartments.
- Drive Time: About 15 minutes to Chase Stadium (formerly DRV PNK).
It's kinda wild how fast the value jumped. The previous owners, John and Stacy Dickerson, bought it for $9 million just 16 months before flipping it to Messi. He basically paid a $1.75 million "celebrity tax" just to get the keys.
Inside the Design: Not Your Typical Florida Mansion
Forget the beige-on-beige Mediterranean style you see everywhere in Broward County. This place is sleek.
The interiors were handled by Canadian designer Lori Morris. We’re talking 27-foot high ceilings and a foyer topped with a massive dome. It’s got a very specific "glamour" vibe—lots of black, gold, and white. There's a fitness room and a spa because, well, he’s an elite athlete who needs to recover after getting hacked on the pitch.
The kitchen is Italian-designed. It’s got the kind of high-end appliances you’d expect, but reports say the family still keeps it low-key with traditional Argentine asados in the backyard.
The "Messi Effect" on Local Real Estate
You wouldn't believe what his presence did to the neighborhood. One neighbor, Patrick Pittaluga, famously claimed his own property value spiked by $25 million the second Messi moved in next door.
That might be a bit of an exaggeration.
Still, the "Messi house in Miami" search volume has turned Bay Colony into a destination for boat tours. People literally cruise by the canal hoping to catch Leo sipping mate on the dock. It’s a security nightmare, which is why the house has 24/7 guarded access and high-tech surveillance.
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It's Not Just One House
Leo is basically a real estate mogul at this point. While the Fort Lauderdale mansion is home base, he’s been collecting South Florida properties like Pokémon cards for years.
He owns a full floor at the Regalia in Sunny Isles Beach. He also has a unit in the Porsche Design Tower. That one is famous because it has a car elevator—the "Dezervator"—that brings your supercar right into your living room.
Recently, he even picked up four more condos at the Cipriani Residences in Miami. Those aren't even finished yet; they're slated for 2028. It's clear he isn't just here for a quick season. He’s planting deep roots.
Where Else Does He Own?
- Porsche Design Tower: $9 million unit with the car lift.
- Regalia Tower: $7.3 million for the entire 9th floor.
- Bentley Residences: Rumored interest in this upcoming Sunny Isles skyscraper.
What People Get Wrong About His Move
There’s a misconception that he chose Fort Lauderdale to be "away" from the city. Honestly, it was about the commute. Living in downtown Miami or Coral Gables would mean a brutal hour-long drive to the training facility every morning.
By staying in Bay Colony, he’s a 15-minute zip from the pitch.
Also, despite the $600 million net worth, the house isn't the most expensive in the area. Jeff Bezos and Ken Griffin are out here spending $70 million to $100 million on islands. Messi’s $10 million spread is actually "modest" by billionaire standards.
Living the Florida Life
You’ve probably seen the photos of him at Publix. Yes, the GOAT does his own grocery shopping (sometimes).
He’s often spotted at local spots like Prima Classe or Carpaccio in Bal Harbour. He wants a normal life for Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. That’s why the house has a massive pool and enough grass for a small kick-around, even if it’s not the "soccer ball" house the internet wanted.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you're trying to catch a glimpse or understand the market, here is the ground reality:
- Don't Trespass: Bay Colony is extremely strict. You won't get past the gate without an invite, and the canal side is heavily monitored.
- Watch the Market: The "Messi effect" is real in Fort Lauderdale. Areas within a 20-minute radius of Chase Stadium have seen a 10-15% bump in interest from international buyers.
- Check the Skyline: If you're looking for his "Miami" vibe, head to Sunny Isles Beach. That's where his vertical real estate portfolio lives.
Messi didn't just buy a house; he bought into a lifestyle that allows him to be a dad and a legend simultaneously. The Fort Lauderdale estate is the anchor for that plan.
To track the latest updates on his real estate moves or see how the "Messi effect" is hitting the 2026 World Cup prep, keep an eye on local Broward County property records. They usually update faster than the tabloids.