Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami CF has sparked a wave of creative designs for a house he could live in, and one of the leading contenders has been met with both shock and ridicule.
The concept home, dubbed Messi Mansion in Miami and shared on Instagram by architectural designer Veliz Arquitecto, offers the star footballer three floors of hyper-modern luxury, multiple balconies and several swimming pools, all located on its own island.
Perhaps most ostentatious is that the mansion is built in an “M” shape when seen from the air.
You have to see it to believe this $150 million concept home for Lionel Messi in Miami. Photos: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram 
The M-shaped mansion has been the subject of mockery on the Internet. Photos: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram
The home concept, which went viral amid an internet trend seeking to design a hypothetical mansion for Messi in his new city, also features a games room, a movie theater and a massive garage, according to Instagram posts by Veliz Arquitecto. In one room, the floorboards are covered with the word: “MESSI.”
Outside, the home’s concept is equally extravagant. A spiraling slide plunges into a massive infinity pool, with fire pits dotted throughout the property. Helicopter and boat access are also included in the concept.
Naturally, the mansion also houses a football field.
It has a games room, home cinema and a large garage. Photos: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram 
It is equipped with several swimming pools and fire pits. Photos: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram
The house’s architect, Jorge Luis Veliz Quintana, said the mansion would cost between A$124 million and A$155 million to build.
“This figure encompasses the meticulous selection of high-end materials, cutting-edge technology and exquisite architectural details that would give the mansion its distinctive character,” he told Fox Business.
“In addition, it includes the costs associated with building such a sophisticated infrastructure, as well as the exceptional services and amenities that would characterize this elite residence.”
Despite the high price tag, many Instagram commenters weren’t too impressed.
“Looks like an AI app threw up all over the place,” read one comment on a picture of the mansion shared by Complex, which garnered nearly 10,000 likes.
“Let’s see how it looks after hurricane season,” wrote another user, referring to Miami’s famously wild weather.
A third added: “It looks like a tacky cruise.”
Others took a more balanced view of the ambitious design.
“50 million to have your house washed away by rising tides in about 10 years. Worth it,” one person wrote.
“If I could spend that much money on a house, I wouldn’t give a shit!”
Naturally, the house also has a soccer field. Photo: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram 
On the floor of one of the rooms you can read his name. Photo: veliz_arquitecto/Instagram
Mr Veliz has defended the house, saying it was inspired by Messi’s “iconic figure and distinguished career” and “intrinsic connection with the marine environment”.
Messi joined Inter Miami last month on a contract rumored to be worth $90 million per year.
He arrived at the club amid great fanfare, with owner David Beckham hiring a former soldier and MMA fighter as the star’s personal bodyguard.
Messi has scored 11 goals in nine games for Inter Miami, a team owned by Beckham, Jorge Mas and José Mas. The team has been in existence since 2018.
