Lionel Messi Has A $232 Million Real Estate Portfolio. The Inter Miami Star Owns Hotels, Commercial Real Estate And Homes

The world’s best soccer player is also a savvy real estate investor. Bloomberg reported that Inter Miami’s Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, recently listed his Spanish-based real estate properties on a small stock exchange in that country, valuing them at $232 million. Messi’s company is called Edificio Rostower Socimi, and his collective properties are being listed on the digital-only Portfolio Stock Exchange as a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust). His holdings comprise seven hotels, shops, offices, and houses.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Messi is close to billionaire status and is likely not listing his real estate assets to make money but for tax purposes. In Spain, REITS are taxed lower than other companies, and investors usually list them to meet legal requirements. 

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Luxury Miami Area Homes

Although Messi is undoubtedly the MLS’s star player and the best paid – according to ESPN, his deal with Inter Miami is estimated to be worth $150 million – Messi spent most of his career in Spain playing for FC Barcelona, thus most of his real estate holdings are based there. The diminutive soccer sorcerer has also been buying luxury U.S. real estate. According to the Miami Herald, he spent $10.75 million on a waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale. He also owns three condos in the Miami suburbs. In addition, Messi owns a home in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina.

A Billion-Dollar Lifetime Deal With Adidas

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the wealthiest soccer players in the world. As with most star athletes, endorsements have significantly influenced Messi’s staggering wealth. According to a Sportico estimate from 2023, Messi has earned $1.2 billion in salary, bonuses, and endorsements throughout his professional career.

In 2021, Forbes reported that Messi earned $33 million from endorsement deals with companies such as Adidas, Gatorade, and Pepsi. In 2022, the publication increased this to $65 million. However, this likely does not factor in the lifetime deal Messi signed with Adidas in 2017, which is estimated to be worth $1 billion. The deal includes a revenue-sharing element that compensates Messi a percentage of all jersey sales, among other apparel.

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Messi To Miami – A Gamble That Paid Off

Bringing Messi to Miami was a big financial gamble for the fledgling MLS team, who, before his arrival, had poor attendance figures and even poorer results. However, the gamble has paid off because the club has doubled its revenue since his arrival. It has increased its revenue from $50-$60 million before it arrives in 2022, increasing to $120-$130 million in 2023, and by the time the totals are in for 2024, the club is estimated to have generated over $200 million in revenue.

“It is completely night and day [after signing Messi], because what we are doing now with the team is totally on an international level,” Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami president of business operations, told ESPN. “Now we are talking about the global interest. Now it is football, not soccer.” 

Apple Funded Messi’s Deal

Messi has also become a magnet for lucrative U.S. sponsorships, signing 11 deals over the last year, including Audi, JPMorgan Chase, Duracell, Lowe’s, Visa, and LaCroix. However, the key to bringing Messi to Miami was Inter Miami’s deal with Apple – a $2.5 billion, 10-year commitment to be the exclusive home of every MLS match streamed on Apple TV – giving the clubs a cut. Inter Miami’s sizable share allowed them to underwrite the cost of bringing Messi Stateside. 

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