Lionel Messi, having left the pressure of competing in Europe, is preparing for a new experience in his career as he joins Inter Miami in the MLS.
Miami holds a special significance for Messi due to its vibrant Argentinian and Latino community, with approximately 100,000 residents. Bloomberg notes that Miami has always been a preferred destination for wealthy businessmen from South America, particularly Argentina.
Spanish is widely spoken in Miami, with 70.2% of residents aged 5 and older speaking the language at home, compared to 22.7% speaking English, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With these factors in place, Miami provides an environment where Messi can live comfortably and adjust quickly. Additionally, the city offers an escape from the pressures and criticism faced by Messi from fans.
In 2019, Messi invested $5 million in a luxury apartment at Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami. Located at a high elevation, the apartment offers stunning views of the sea and features a dedicated car lift. This building, where the Messi family resides, was inaugurated in 2014 and is just a 25-minute drive from Inter Miami's stadium.
However, this is not the only property Messi owns in Miami. In 2021, he acquired an apartment at Regalia Tower for $7.3 million. Regalia Tower is a renowned destination often frequented by A-list Hollywood stars when visiting the city.
Miami is home to numerous notable figures, including David Beckham (co-owner of Inter Miami), Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, and Cindy Crawford. Among them, Shakira, who shares a close bond with Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi's wife, attended Messi's wedding in 2017 along with her ex-boyfriend Gerard Pique.
The presence of famous individuals in Miami presents an opportunity for the Messi family to establish valuable business connections in the future. The New York Post highlights that this move could also enhance Antonela's personal brand. As an Argentine model, she currently boasts 35 million followers on Instagram and represents several renowned brands.
It is likely that Messi's three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, will attend Miami Country Day, the city's most prestigious and expensive school. This institution also educates the children of Shakira and Tom Brady, a top American football star.
In summary, Miami offers Lionel Messi a chance to embark on a new chapter in his career with Inter Miami, while providing him and his family with a luxurious lifestyle and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
