When Lionel Messi first touched down in South Florida, the local real estate market basically lost its mind. Everyone was trying to figure out which glass-walled condo or beachside mansion the GOAT would pick. Fast forward to 2026, and the mystery has long since evaporated. If you’re looking for him, you won't find him in the middle of the Miami Beach neon or the high-rises of Brickell.
Honestly, he chose something way more low-key—well, as low-key as a $10.8 million estate can be.
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Today, Lionel Messi lives in the Bay Colony neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale.
It’s a specific kind of place. You’ve got these deep-water canals, massive yachts, and a level of security that makes a secret service detail look casual. He’s not just there for the vibes; he’s there because it’s a 15-minute commute to his day job.
The Fortress in Bay Colony
Most fans assume he’s living in a penthouse at the Porsche Design Tower. He does own a unit there, but that’s not where he’s raising his kids. He needed a "work house" that felt like a sanctuary.
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His primary residence is a 10,500-square-foot waterfront mansion sitting on a cul-de-sac. It’s got 170 feet of water frontage, which is basically the Florida way of saying "stay away from my backyard."
Inside, the place is pretty intense. We’re talking:
- 8 bedrooms and nearly 10 bathrooms.
- A 1,600-square-foot primary suite (that’s bigger than most people’s apartments).
- A fitness room and spa for those recovery days.
- An Italian-designed kitchen.
- Two private docks for whatever watercraft he decides to park there.
The design was handled by Lori Morris, and it leans heavily into a cream and black color palette with a massive 27-foot dome in the entryway. It’s grand. It’s flashy. But because it’s tucked away in a gated community, he can actually walk to his neighbor’s house without a parade following him.
One of those neighbors, by the way, is entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David. He famously claimed that Messi moving in next door instantly added $25 million in equity to his own property. That’s the "Messi Effect" in real time.
Why Fort Lauderdale Instead of Miami?
You’d think a global icon would want the center of the action in Miami. But Messi is a family man first. Fort Lauderdale offers a slower pace, better privacy for Antonela and the boys, and—most importantly—proximity.
The house is roughly five miles from Chase Stadium (formerly DRV PNK) and the Inter Miami training facility. When you’re training every day, you don't want to spend two hours fighting I-95 traffic from a Miami penthouse.
Interestingly, his teammate and long-time friend Luis Suárez also lives in the same Bay Colony neighborhood. It’s basically a Barcelona reunion on the canals.
The Future: Miami Freedom Park and New Condos
While the Fort Lauderdale mansion is home for now, Messi is already planning his next moves. As of early 2026, the club is preparing for the move to Miami Freedom Park, the massive new stadium project near Miami International Airport.
He’s also diversifying his "home" portfolio. Reports indicate he’s snapped up several units in the Cipriani Residences Miami, a luxury high-rise slated for completion around 2028. One of those units reportedly cost $7.5 million.
So, does he live in Miami? Technically, no. He lives in "Greater Miami," but his heart and his daily life are firmly rooted in the quiet, gated luxury of Fort Lauderdale.
What This Means for You
If you're heading to Florida hoping for a glimpse of the legend, don't bother staked out in South Beach. He’s a suburban dad now. Here are the actionable takeaways if you're tracking the GOAT's lifestyle:
- Real Estate Impact: Property values in Bay Colony and surrounding Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods have spiked significantly. If you’re looking to invest in the area, the "Messi Premium" is a very real financial factor.
- Lifestyle Shift: Messi’s choice proves that even for the world's biggest stars, commute time and family privacy often outweigh the prestige of a downtown zip code.
- The Visit: You can’t get into Bay Colony without an invite—the security is ironclad. Your best bet to see him remains the stands at Chase Stadium or the upcoming Miami Freedom Park.
Messi has officially become a "Florida Man," just with a much nicer kitchen than the rest of us.