Fresh Off His Chase Stadium Debut, Messi Is Breathing Rarefied Air

Just in: in an amazing sports world coup, Inter Miami soccer club signed a multiyear naming rights deal with JPMorgan Chase for a new stadium in Fort Lauderdale. It’s hardly hyperbolic to say that it's Lionel Messi's world; we just live in it. Inter Miami's charismatic captain has transformed the spirit of South Florida, giving the Magic City a major profile and morale boost since he signed with the club—which is co-owned by David Beckham—in 2023. Messi has energized, glamorized, and transcended soccer, joining the ranks of sports megastars such as LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady in popular culture. He will even have his own theme park-ish destination when The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True opens in Coconut Grove in April. (What's next, Messiwood?) These days, the beloved athlete dazzles for both Inter Miami and Argentina’s national team. His exalted perch can best be understood by remarkable figures like these:

21,500

The number of seats at the new Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. According to JPMorgan Chase, the sponsorship is “first stadium naming rights deal in professional fútbol.”

$54 million

Messi’s estimated salary in 2023. His net worth has been estimated at an eye-popping $600 million.

2025

The year Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs out. Does his growing Miami-area real estate portfolio signal he’s committed to South Florida beyond next year?

$10.8 million

The price of the Fort Lauderdale home Messi and his wife Antonela snatched up in Fort Lauderdale. The Bay Colony property sprawls over 10,500 square feet, with the bedroom sanctuary occupying 1,600 square feet.

$7.3 million

The cost of the Sunny Isles Beach home Messi already owned when he found the Fort Lauderdale house. That price fetched the entire ninth floor at Regalia, an ultra-luxury condo tower on Collins Ave. But then again, every Regalia unit occupies a full floor, so no one has to make hallway eye contact. The 488-foot-tall skyscraper houses 39 residential floors.

$15 million

The value of Messi’s leased Gulfstream V. Its defining feature? The boarding stairs are labeled with the names of Messi, Antonela, and the couple’s adorable (and adorably named) children: Thiago, Ciro, and Mateo.

4,684 miles

The distance between Miami and Barcelona, where Messi owns lavish homes. Hence: the Gulfstream. 

5 Minutes

The driving time between Chase Stadium and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. We're not saying that Messi lands his private jet there, but we're not not saying that, either.

16

The number of the Gulfstream’s comfy chairs, which can be folded into eight beds.

2-0

The score of Inter Miami’s winning game last week against Real Salt Lake, with magnificent Messi involved in both goals.

10

Messi’s soccer number at Inter Miami—which is emblazoned on the tail of his private jet.

500 million

The number of Messi’s Instagram followers. The only person with more followers happens to be another iconic soccer player, Christiano Ronaldo, with 622 million. How long will it take Messi to surpass his legendary rival off the field?