South Florida by the Numbers: A Hot Messi

“South Florida By The Numbers” is a web feature that catalogs the most notable, quirky and surprising real estate statistics.

First, he shocked the soccer world by choosing to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami team (over a competing $1-billion plus offer from a Saudi Arabian squad). Then, Lionel Messi made a Hollywood-scripted debut for the team this month with a game-winning goal that exceeded anyone’s wildest expectations for a dramatic impact. Before he had even laced up his cleats, “the Messi effect” was being felt across South Florida with his Inter Miami jersey on backorder for months, and his first Publix run being shared across social media. But will the global fútbol icon have a similar impact on local real estate? Let’s check out the action in this month’s edition of “South Florida by the numbers”.

5

Estimated number of miles between DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (temporary home of Inter Miami CF) and the small-but-tony village of Sea Lake Ranches, where some real estate pros (and internet detectives) suspect Messi may be living. [The Real Deal] 

3

Number of sons born to Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo between 2012 and 2018. With a reputation as a low-drama family man, there is a strong belief that Messi may choose a home in quieter areas of Palm Beach County, including either Delray Beach or Boca Raton. [Palm Beach Post]

100,000

According to data from the US Census Bureau and projections from the Pew Research Center, that’s the estimated number of Argentinians living in South Florida. Messi and his family will certainly feel at home among them, and may choose to spend time in Miami Beach’s acclaimed Faena District (the brainchild of fellow Argentinian Alan Faena) and in North Beach’s “Little Argentina” neighborhood. [New York Post] 

$1.6 billion

According to reports, that’s how much Messi was offered to play for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, which he turned down to play for InterMiami. His existing homes in South Florida, the lifestyle, as well as the tax savings of playing in Florida are all considered factors behind his decision. [Front Office Sports] 

$1

Minimum donation amount sought by Miami Mayor (and presidential hopeful) Francis Suarez for a chance to win front row seats to see Messi’s debut with Inter Miami. Spokespeople for the campaign and Inter Miami CF said the mayor’s federal candidate committee paid face value for the tickets, which retailed for $2,000 a pair. (The raffle was allowed under state and federal campaign finance laws, as participants were not required to make a donation.) [The Real Deal] 

This column is produced by the Master Brokers Forum, a network of South Florida’s elite real estate professionals where membership is by invitation only and based on outstanding production, as well as ethical and professional behavior.