L
ionel Messi, the Argentine soccer sensation and Inter Miami forward, is making a bold move in South Florida's luxury real estate scene. The global icon has secured four units at the Cipriani Residences Miami, an 80-story tower rising from the city's skyline.

    Sources close to the deal reveal that one of the residences, a sprawling four-bedroom spread spanning over 3,500 square feet, comes with a hefty price tag of approximately $7.5 million. The remaining three units remain shrouded in mystery for now.

    Messi's real estate portfolio is already a notable presence in South Florida, boasting a $10.75 million waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale and several condominiums in Miami's Porsche Design Tower. This latest acquisition solidifies his status as a major player in the region's high-end property market.

    The Cipriani Residences project, which kicked off sales in 2022, promises an exclusive lifestyle for its residents. Upon completion in 2028, the tower will feature two pools, a private dining venue, a speakeasy-style lounge, and full catering services. Fortune Development Sales is handling marketing efforts as Miami's luxury development market continues to thrive.

    However, beneath the surface of Miami's booming condominium landscape lies a tale of two markets. While newly built towers like Cipriani Residences enjoy robust demand, older properties struggle with sluggish sales and swelling inventory. Data from the Miami Association of Realtors shows that the median price for condos and townhouses rose 8% in February compared to the previous year, highlighting the strength of the upper-tier segment.