SO this is how Lionel Messi spends his money.
The Barcelona legend’s contract was leaked by Spanish outlet El Mundo.
And the 30-page document revealed the Argentine ace, 33, earns £123m per year with a host of bonuses too, including a £35m loyalty fee this coming summer even if he quits the club.
It’s that salary that’s allowed Messi to live like a king in Catalonia.
Here’s a glimpse into his amazing lifestyle, featuring a luxury mansion, fancy holidays, plenty of flash cars, and host of hotels, including a new spot in Andorra.
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 old 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.
Close friend Luiz Suarez used to live nearby while Philippe Coutinho still does should a team debriefing be needed.
PRIVATE JET
If he’s planning on going anywhere in a hurry, Messi has the use of his own private jet that’s worth £12million and has his famous No10 on the tail.
It was made by a company in Argentina and designed for Messi family with the names of his wife, Antonella, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo featuring on the steps.
It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen.
There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
Incredibly, the chairs can also be folded up and turned into eight beds too – providing ultimate comfort.
Messi, however, doesn’t own it – he leases the jet. Still, it won’t come cheap.
HOTEL
With tourism being a huge trade in Barcelona (at least before the coronavirus pandemic hit), 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 to 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 also owns hotels in Ibiza, Mallorca, Baqueira and Andorra.
CARS
With Messi’s huge salary, he could probably afford to send his car collection over with him if he leaves Barcelona this summer.
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.
FANCY HOLIDAYS
When it’s pre-season, Messi likes to let his hair down with a break away.
But he doesn’t go too far – often picking to hire a private yacht and enjoy Ibiza and Formentera.
In 2020, he and wife Antonella Roccuzzo were joined by pals Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas for a trip around the islands.
They hired the stunning Seven C charter boat measuring nearly 92ft long that costs £40,000 per week to rent.
Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
Previously, Messi has also stayed at the luxury Caribbean holiday resort Jumby Bay, where private villas cost £5,000 per-night and Sir Paul McCartney has once stayed.
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.
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.
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.
No expense was spared. And why not when banking a £123m a year salary.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
