THE unthinkable may be about to happen.
Dismayed by life at Barcelona, Lionel Messi’s days at the Camp Nou appear to be numbered.
Messi has built an incredible lifestyle in Barcelona
The Argentine ace, 33, has handed in a transfer request and wants to leave the La Liga giants, after spending his entire career with the Catalans.
Both Manchester clubs and PSG are watching with interest, and the forward has reportedly contacted former mentor Pep Guardiola asking to join him in the Premier League.
But what will Messi be leaving behind? Here’s a glimpse into his amazing life in Catalonia.
HIS HOME
Boasting sea views and being in a no-fly zone, Messi’s abode – valued at £5.5milion – in Barcelona offers a tranquil experience.
Located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels, it’s the perfect spot for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reside.
And he bought himself privacy by splashing out on his neighbour’s home, according to team-mate Ivan Rakitic.
Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
There’s also the incredible sight of the Balearic Sea to wake up to every day – you won’t get that in Manchester, Paris or London.
Luiz Suarez and Philippe Coutinho live nearby, should a team debriefing be needed.
The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home
Football is always on the TV and the family can keep warm by the fireCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi
The Messi family regularly congregate in the kitchenCredit: Instagram @leomessi
Family comes first for MessiCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
HOTEL
With tourism being a huge trade in Barcelona, Messi has invested his money shrewdly.
Like his footballing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, he has become a hotelier and bought a £26million hotel in the coastal town of Sitges – some 26 miles from the city.
The four-star Hotel MiM Sitges is just 100m from the sea, has 77 bedrooms, including five junior suites and one suite, and costs around £105-per-night during high season to stay in a standard room.
On top of that, there’s the rooftop Sky Bar that boasts panoramic views of the town and Mediterranean Sea, as well as a pool.
If you’re looking unwind even further, there’s a top-of-the-range spa that features a sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, a recreational pool, a cold plunge tub and a saltwater pool.
Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges
Sitges is a stunning coastal town just 26 miles from the city
The hotel cost Messi around £26million
CARS
With a reported wealth of £310million, Messi could probably afford to send his car collection over with him wherever he goes.
The pick of his motors, said to be worth around £3million, is a £1.5million Pagani Zonda.
He also has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale in his garage.
Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000.
Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.
Messi boasts a car collection reportedly worth £3millionCredit: Getty – Contributor
A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of his car collectionCredit: Handout
Messi seen behind the wheel of a Range RoverCredit: Getty – Contributor
Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure
Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has since expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
THE TRAINING GROUND
Every day Messi hones his skills at the state-of-the-art Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Since 2009, Barcelona have made this their training ground. It also acts as a multi-sport pavilion for the other sports teams at the club, including basketball, futsal, and handball.
After training, Messi and Co can use the gym, sauna, and a full-sized pool – all aiding their recuperation.
Costing roughly around £65million, there are also living quarters where future Barcelona prospects border.
It was named in honour of Joan Gamper, the founder of the Spanish club.
Messi trains at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan GamperCredit: FC Barcelona
The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper boasts state-of-the-art facilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The facility boasts several training pitchesCredit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s professional basketball team is also based hereCredit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s stars are put through their pacesCredit: Rex Features
LOVE OF HIS LIFE
Barcelona shares a special place in the heart of Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.
Although they were childhood friends in Rosario, Argentina, Messi and Roccuzzo’s love blossomed in the Spanish city in 2009.
They’ve set up camp, not only with a beautiful home and life, but three sons too – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro all Spanish-born.
There’s no doubt the pair would return to Argentina.
After all, they shared their nuptials in their homeland in Rosario in a glitzy ceremony attended by Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto’o.
Would you turn your back on this lifestyle for a rainy day at Stoke?
Antonella Roccuzzo is Messi’s love of his lifeCredit: Instagram, @antoroccuzzo88
The stunning Wag was a childhood friend of Messi’s from RosarioCredit: Splash News
The Messi family have settled in SpainCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
Will the Messi family move from Barcelona?Credit: Splash News
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
