LIONEL MESSI might be the highest paid player in the MLS, but he’s not even the wealthiest man on his team.
That honour is bestowed to his Inter Miami teammate, Leonardo Campana who is heir to a £1billion-plus fortune.
The Ecuadorian, only 23, is the son of Pablo Campana – a prominent South American politician, businessman, and ex-tennis player who competed at the Olympics.
Born into money and sporting heritage is serving Leonardo well, who lives an epic lifestyle.
Not only can he count the world’s greatest player as a pal, he also enjoys amazing adventures, including skydiving in Hawaii.
While the forward is also an art collector – owning work from famous Miami pop artist Leonardo Hidalgo.
Read more football news
He shares his wealth with stunning girlfriend, Ariana Altuve who studied Fashion Business at New York’s prestigious Parsons School of Design.
Family affair
Leonardo, who was with Premier League side Wolves from 2019-2020, comes from good stock.
His dad Pablo was a sportsman, famously competing for Ecuador in the tennis doubles competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atalanta.
Between 1990-1997 he played in the Davis Cup, and was once ranked 165 in the world.
Most read in Football
But, when Pablo found out he was expecting a child he gave up the game aged just 24.
Instead of sport, he turned his hand to politics and became the Minister of Commerce in the Ecuadorean government.
Alongside that, he founded a real estate company in his homeland called Millenium S.A. that has made him a fortune.
Interestingly, while his dad may be a billionaire, Leonardo’s grandma Isabel Noboa is recognised as one of Ecuador’s most successful businesswomen.
Dad Pablo has been seen at Inter Miami games, cheering his son on.
He even posed up for snaps with Messi and Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham on the DRV PNK Stadium turf.
Head for heights
Standing at 6ft 2in, Campana is known for his aerial ability.
However, his head for heights stretches to as far as jumping out of a plane with a parachute.
Back in November, the fearless footballer went on a luxury holiday to Hawaii.
Usually a clause in many top player’s contracts insists they don’t do anything risky while away.
read more sport features
But daredevil Campana clearly felt the adrenaline rush of skydiving was too much to turn down.
And he shared his stunt with a mid-air picture to his 603,000 followers on Instagram.
He simply captioned the snap with a rock and roll hand gesture emoji.
On the same trip, Campana was seen rummaging in the boot of his £60,000 Jeep Wrangler.
Joining him on his travels was his gorgeous missus, Ariana.
They also enjoyed a magical trip to the Galapagos Islands, where they hired a boat and saw the local wildlife.
American beauty
Not much is known about Ariana, the blonde stunner in a relationship with Campana.
She keeps her personal life to herself, while her Instagram is private.
It appears she has been in a romance with Ecuador international for a year.
But already, they are inseparable.
She shared in his hi-jinx in Hawaii and is happy playing the supportive Wag by cheering him on during Inter Miami games.
According to reports, she studied Administration and Marketing and completed a four-year degree at Bryant University in the United States.
The Balenciaga-wearing Ariana also finished a Fashion Business course at Parsons School of Design, in New York.
Expensive hobbies
Buying art is often an exercise for the rich and the elite.
Campana’s artistic taste is a bit more modern, and he has a penchant for pop art.
Back in December, he splashed the cash on a print of a painting by famed Miami artist Leonardo Hidalgo.
The artwork, a rather fitting piece featuring Campana celebrating a goal with Messi, would have cost thousands.
In the past, Hidalgo has been commissioned by Hillary Clinton, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and more.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
A thankful Campana thanked Hidalgo on Instagram.
“Thank you @artistleonardohidalgo for capturing this moment that will be marked for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
