Lionel Messi Bought A Fort Lauderdale Mansion One Mile From Red Lobster

As you know in real estate, location is everything. So when we learned Lionel Messi was house shopping in Fort Lauderdale there was a lot of people wondering - where?

Messi's contract with Inter Miami is paying him in the neighborhood of $50- $60 million dollars a year. With that kind of money you certainly have a lot of choices as to where you want to live. Sources at TheRealDeal have confirmed that the Messi family wants to be in the middle of all the action. The property purchased is at 91 Compass Lane in Fort Lauderdale. That's in Fort Lauderdale's Bay Colony, an area surrounded by water with just one entrance. But that one entrance will make it easy for them to get to everything they need.

The house is about 5 miles from the Drive Pink Stadium, keeping commute times low. But more importantly, their new place is just one mile from the DQ Grill and Chill on US1. A quick trip to take the kids out for ice cream after practice. Or the neighboring Red Lobster with those delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The thing is, Lionel has the money to live wherever he wants. He and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, choose to live in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Let's take a look at the house. Looks like they paid $10.8 million for the 8 bed, 10 bath home. I'm sure they'll change some things, but here's what the home looked like 2 years ago.

It's not really surprising that Lionel Messi and the family would be living in a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood cul-de-sac rather than hiding in a tall skyscraper rooftop condo. Remember how he brought the family to a Publix shortly after he arrived in town? If you want your kids to understand Florida culture, obviously they were going to need Pub Subs. Gotta fit in.

We have some beautiful hotels in SWFL, and while none made U.S. News' list of the Best in the USA, four Miami-Area hotels did.

There's nothing quite like a luxurious hotel stay to make you feel pampered, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Whether you're on a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a business trip, a luxury hotel is the perfect place to escape the stress of everyday life and indulge in some much-needed R&R.

One of the defining features of a high-end hotel is its attention to detail. From the plush bedding to the elegant décor, every detail provides guests with a comfortable and indulgent experience. You'll find luxurious amenities in your room like high-end toiletries, comfortable robes and a minibar stocked with gourmet snacks and drinks.

Another hallmark of a five-star hotel is the quality of its service. Whether you need help with your luggage, a recommendation for a nearby restaurant, or just someone to chat with, the staff are always ready to help. In addition to the comfort and service, luxury hotels often offer a range of on-site amenities that are designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate. You'll find restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers and spas that offer a range of treatments, from massages to facials.

So just how special does a hotel have to be to land a list of the Best in the USA? U.S. News defines luxury hotels as those that receive a 4-, 4.5- or 5-star "hotel class" rating on a regular basis. In order to be included in their rankings, the property must have a minimum of 20 rooms.

Just last year this property won 5 awards: Condé Nast Readers' Choice List 2022, Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2022, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2022, Fodor's Choice and AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2022

For the golfer, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar has a Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

Not only is the beach within easy reach, but the property also features a freshwater pool area where you'll be treated to ice water, Evian spritzes and chilled towels. 

Located about 10 miles north of South Beach, travelers to this property describe their experience as phenomenal, mainly due to the property's attentive staff and prime location. 

This hotel's waterfront location and elegant decor set it apart from nearby properties and also features the top-rated Rowes Wharf Sea Grille.

This hotel was constructed in the late 1800s and exudes old-world charm. Guests praise the elegant decor, fantastic customer service, on-site spa, evening brandies and sherries and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

The food at La Taverne has been a big hit for recent guests, as were the views of the Rockies and Cheyenne Lake while sipping cocktails at the Pool Café.  

Just 4 miles south of Park City next to the slopes of Deer Valley Resort, if you're looking for the best place to stay and ski, look no further.

If you're a beach lover, this property is sure to amaze with breathtaking ocean views and activities like snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, hiking, whale watching and scuba diving. Visitors describe the property as "paradise" and "heaven on earth".

One of Boston's tallest buildings, hotel guests can enjoy an entire wellness floor with a fitness center, a spa and an indoor lap pool enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

Located on Hawaii's Big Island, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection offers chic accommodations, beautiful ocean views, wellness offerings, several pools and more.

Recent visitors said their stays at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach were next to perfect, but also say it's very pricey.

About a half hour north of San Diego, Rancho Valencia is a little off the beaten path featuring carefully manicured greenery and plenty of amenities and activities.

The Surf Club is set on 9 acres of beachfront and visitors rave about its stunning design, incredible views and attentive staff members.

Located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago combines cosmopolitan flair with Midwestern charm.

The Four Seasons is located on the edge of Rock Creek Park in D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood offering beautiful views of the park and easy access to some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A huge perk of this property is that you don't have to wait until the afternoon to check in. They'll have your room ready for you whenever you need it.

The Langham is on the banks of the Chicago River and less than a mile from shopping on The Magnificent Mile. The hotel has rave reviews about attentive service, quiet location and riverfront views.

The Mark is located on the Upper East Side, one block from Central Park and Fifth Avenue, offering easy access to iconic city landmarks and shopping streets. The decor is reminiscent of 1930s Paris, but features many modern amenities like HD televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and a panel that controls lighting, temperature and the room shades.

Just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the most luxurious resorts on the Big Island. This resort features eight unique swimming spots, including a saltwater pond and an oceanfront infinity pool.

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (part of The Sea Pines Resort) is one of the most popular resorts on the island. Guests delight in the lush scenery, the luxurious rooms and the professional, approachable and welcoming staff.

This property is perfect if you want a quiet, stress-free getaway. Sitting right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, guests can enjoy five championship golf courses and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, as well as an on-site spa. 

Pendry West Hollywood is located on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard, close to multiple restaurants and shopping venues. The Pendry has a chic rooftop pool overlooking West Hollywood, as well as two restaurants by Chef Wolfgang Puck: Merois and Ospero.

This property is located at the base of Camelback Mountain offering spectacular views at every turn. The 18-hole championship golf course is also not to be missed. 

Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach is about 10 miles north of Miami Beach. There's only 98 guest rooms and suites and all rooms come with flat-screen TVs, private balconies, double sinks and glass-enclosed showers. The property also features four in-house eateries, a grab-and-go market, four pools, a spa and beach amenities.