When you are widely considered the greatest football player of all time (GOAT), your lifestyle tends to reflect that legendary status. For Lionel Messi, this opulence is most visible in his extraordinary car collection. Unlike some of his peers who prefer flashy colors and endless fleets, Messi’s garage is a masterclass in “quality over quantity.”
Lionel Messi Car Collection is valued at an estimated $50 million. His collection ranges from priceless 1950s racing icons to ultra-modern family SUVs and rare Italian hypercars. Below is an in-depth look at the most significant vehicles in Messi’s collection, their specifications, and exactly when the Inter Miami star chooses to get behind the wheel.
Lionel Messi Car Collection
Table of Contents
1. The Crown Jewel: 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti
Estimated Value: $36 Million
Status: The “Holy Grail” of his collection.
The 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti is often cited as the “Crown Jewel” of Lionel Messi’s garage. Still, its presence in his collection is actually the subject of a famous rumor that the footballer himself has mocked.
While widely reported as the most expensive car in his possession (valued at approximately $36 million), the details are not confirmed, suggesting the story may be more legend than fact.
The “Crown Jewel” Specs
If the rumor were true, this would indeed be the centerpiece of any collection. The 335 S Spider Scaglietti is one of the rarest Ferraris in history.
- Production: Only 4 were ever produced.
- Engine: 4.1-liter V12 engine.
- Power: Approximately 400 horsepower.
- Top Speed: ~300 km/h (186 mph), a staggering speed for the 1950s.
- Racing Pedigree: This specific chassis was driven by racing legend Stirling Moss to win the 1958 Cuban Grand Prix.
The Origin of the Story (The Auction War)
The link between Messi and this car began in February 2016 at the Artcurial Motorcars Retromobile auction in Paris.
- The car sold for a world-record €32.1 million (approx. $35–37 million at the time).
- The buyer remained anonymous, but the Proto Organization (the sellers) released a statement hinting that the winning bidder was Lionel Messi.
- To add fuel to the fire, reports circulated that Messi had outbid his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, to secure the vehicle.
The Reality Check
Despite the widespread media coverage claiming Messi owns the car, sources close to the footballer denied the purchase. Messi addressed the rumor personally on Instagram in a humorous post shortly after the news broke.
- The Post: He posted a photo of himself holding a small plastic toy car (Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars).
- The Caption: He wrote, “My new car,” effectively trolling the reports that he had spent $36 million on the vintage Ferrari.
While it remains one of the most famous anecdotes about his wealth, the “Crown Jewel” 335 S likely belongs to a private collector who prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
2. The Exotic Masterpiece: Pagani Zonda Tricolore
Estimated Value: $2 Million – $4 Million
Status: The Rare Hypercar.
Much like the Ferrari 335 S, the Pagani Zonda Tricolore is another “ghost” in Lionel Messi’s garage. It is widely listed in financial reports as one of his most valuable assets (valued at roughly $1.6 million to $4 million depending on the market), but it remains an elusive mystery.
Here is the breakdown of this exotic masterpiece and the reality of his ownership.
The “Exotic Masterpiece” Specs
If Messi does indeed own this car, he possesses one of the most exclusive vehicles ever engineered. The Zonda Tricolore was built as a tribute to the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic demonstration team.
- Rarity: Only 3 units were ever produced (originally intended as a one-off).
- Engine: 7.3-liter Mercedes-AMG V12.
- Power: 670 horsepower.
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds.
- Design: The body is made of a special blue-tinted carbon-titanium weave (Carbo-Titanium) with the Italian flag stripes running up the nose, mimicking the Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft used by the aerobatic team.
The Reality Check
While countless “Richest Athletes” lists confidently claim Messi owns one of the three Tricolores, there is zero photographic evidence of him driving it or even standing next to it.
- The Contrast: Unlike his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who frequently poses with his Bugattis and his own Pagani Huayra, Messi has never publicly acknowledged owning this car.
- The Practicality: The Zonda Tricolore is essentially a track car. It is not street-legal in many jurisdictions without modification, and given Messi’s preference for comfortable, high-end SUVs (like the Range Rover and Audi Q7) for his daily commute, a raw, screaming V12 hypercar seems out of character for his known driving habits.
This may be another case of the media assigning a rare car to a famous name to generate buzz.
3. The Miami Daily: Cadillac Escalade
Estimated Value: $100,000+
Status: The Family Fortress.
Unlike the Ferrari 335 S or the Pagani Zonda, the Cadillac Escalade is a verified, practical reality in Lionel Messi’s garage. It fits the title “The Miami Daily” perfectly because it is the quintessential American luxury SUV for a father of three living in Florida.
Here is the breakdown of Messi’s “American tank” and how it fits into his new life at Inter Miami.
The “Miami Daily” Specs
The Cadillac Escalade is less about speed and more about presence and family utility. It is the standard vehicle for celebrities and VIPs in the United States.
- Price: ~$80,000 – $120,000 (depending on the trim, likely the Sport Platinum or V-Series).
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8.
- Capacity: 7-8 passengers (Crucial for Messi, his wife Antonela, and their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro).
- The “Obama” Connection: When Messi first purchased an Escalade (reportedly during his time in Barcelona, before bringing the preference to the US), Spanish media sensationally claimed he bought “the car of Barack Obama.” While Obama rode in “The Beast” (a tank disguised as a limo), the Escalade is indeed the standard-issue vehicle for the US Secret Service, adding to its protective aura.
The Reality Check: Is it his main Miami car?
While he owns the Escalade for family outings, it is not the car he is most frequently photographed driving to Inter Miami training. Since moving to Florida, spotters have caught him primarily in two other SUVs:
- Bentley Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase): This is his true “daily” in Miami. He was famously filmed driving this car when fans mobbed him at a traffic light shortly after his arrival.
- Audi RS Q8: He has been spotted frequently in this high-performance SUV (a holdover habit from his long partnership with Audi at Barcelona).
The Escalade serves a specific purpose: anonymity and capacity. In Miami, a Bentley turns heads; a black Cadillac Escalade blends into a sea of other black Escalades, making it the perfect camouflage for a school run.
4. The European Favorite: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Estimated Value: $242,000
Status: The Gentleman’s Sports Car.
The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is one of the few exotic sports cars in Lionel Messi’s history that is 100% confirmed and was frequently seen in public. Unlike the “ghost” Ferrari 335 S, there is ample video evidence of Messi driving this car to training sessions during his prime years at FC Barcelona.
Here is the breakdown of the “Italian Stallion” that served as his high-performance daily driver.
The “Italian Stallion” Specs
The MC Stradale was the most hardcore, track-focused version of the GranTurismo available at the time. It was designed to bridge the gap between the road car and the Maserati race cars.
- Engine: 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 (famous for having one of the best exhaust notes in automotive history).
- Power: 444 to 450 horsepower.
- Top Speed: 301 km/h (187 mph).
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds.
- The Sacrifice: To reduce weight and increase speed, Maserati famously removed the rear seats in the original MC Stradale, making it a strict two-seater. This likely limited its use for Messi once his family began to grow.
The Reality Check: “The White Ghost”
Messi owned this car in a crisp Bianco Eldorado (White) finish.
- Daily Use: While many footballers keep their supercars hidden, Messi used this Maserati as a legitimate commuter car. Fans frequently filmed him arriving at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper (Barcelona’s training ground) in this vehicle.
- License Plate: It carried a Spanish license plate, and for a few years, it was his “fun” alternative to the sponsorship Audis he was required to drive.
The Aftermath: “Ruined” for Sale?
The story of this car took a strange turn after Messi sold it. In 2017, the car resurfaced for sale at a German dealership with a price tag of roughly $125,000.
- The Modification: The new owner had completely changed the look. The classy white paint was covered in a matte black wrap with bright red accents (badges, trim, and wheels).
- The Reaction: Automotive enthusiasts and Messi fans widely criticized the new look, claiming the modifications “ruined” the clean spec that Messi had originally chosen. The dealership marketed it heavily as “Messi’s former car” to justify the price, despite the controversial facelift.
5. The “Audi Era” Trinity
Total Value: Approx. $300,000 combined
Status: The Sponsorship Icons.
The “Audi Era” Trinity refers to the three specific models that defined Lionel Messi’s garage during his long-standing partnership with FC Barcelona and their primary sponsor, Audi. From 2006 to 2019, Audi provided the entire squad with free cars every season, and Messi consistently rotated through a “Trinity” of models that covered every aspect of his life: the family hauler, the daily rocket, and the open-top supercar.
Here is the breakdown of the three Audis that Messi made famous.
1. The Family Fortress: Audi Q7
This was Messi’s “bread and butter” vehicle. While other players often chose flashier models, Messi selected the Q7 more than any other car during the sponsorship years.
- Why he chose it: It was the most practical option for his growing family (Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro).
- The Spec: He typically chose the 3.0 TDI or the SQ7 performance diesel versions in white or grey.
- The Reality: This was the car he was actually seen in 90% of the time. It offered anonymity and safety for the school run, allowing him to transport his kids without the attention a low-slung supercar attracts.
2. The Commuter Rocket: Audi RS6 Avant
If the Q7 was for the family, the RS6 Avant was for the driver in him. This is widely considered the ultimate “footballer’s car” because it combines supercar speed with the practicality of a station wagon.
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
- Power: ~600 horsepower.
- 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds.
- The “Sleeper” Factor: Messi loved this car because it looked like a responsible grocery-getter but could outrun almost anything on the highway. It was his preferred choice for driving to the Camp Nou on match days.
3. The Sunday Toy: Audi R8 Spyder
The crown jewel of his Audi collection was the R8 Spyder V10, the car that sat at the top of the Audi food chain.
- Engine: 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 (shared with the Lamborghini Huracán).
- Power: 602 horsepower.
- Top Speed: 204 mph.
- The Look: Messi famously owned a Sepang Blue model. It was the loudest, most aggressive car in the “Trinity,” used primarily for promotional events or rare sunny days when he didn’t have the kids with him.
The Reality Check: The “Great Return”
The “Audi Era” came to an abrupt end in 2019 when the sponsorship deal between Barcelona and Audi expired.
- The Recall: Audi demanded that the players return their free vehicles.
- The Deadline: Messi and his teammates were given a strict 3-week deadline to hand back the keys to their Q7s, RS6s, and R8s.
- The Replacement: After this era ended, Messi was free to switch brands, which led to his transition into Cupra (Barça’s new sponsor) and his increased use of his personal Range Rovers and Mercedes vehicles.
6. Other Notable Mentions
- Range Rover Vogue & Sport: Like many footballers, Messi owns multiple Range Rovers. They are favored for their air suspension, which provides a smooth ride crucial for protecting a chaotic back or recovering legs after a match.
- Mercedes SLS AMG: famous for its “gullwing” doors that open upwards. It’s a flashy addition that breaks his usual pattern of understated cars.
- Mini Cooper S Cabriolet: Surprisingly, Messi owns a humble Mini Cooper. It is rumored to be one of the first cars he bought or a vehicle he keeps for incognito city driving in narrow European streets.
Summary Table: The Messi Garage
| Car Model | Classification | Approx. Price | Usage |
| Ferrari 335 S Spider | Classic / Investment | $36,000,000 | Rare Collector’s Item |
| Pagani Zonda Tricolore | Hypercar | $4,000,000 | Private Track / Display |
| Mercedes SLS AMG | Supercar | $642,000 | Leisure Driving |
| Maserati MC Stradale | Sports Coupe | $242,000 | Personal Daily (Europe) |
| Cadillac Escalade | Luxury SUV | $100,000 | Family Daily (Miami) |
| Range Rover Vogue | Luxury SUV | $200,000 | Training Commute |
1. The “Hidden” Collection (Cars Not in the Main Breakdown)
Beyond the famous Ferraris and his daily Escalade, Messi owns several other incredible machines that often fly under the radar:
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ($642,000): This is one of the most stylish cars he owns, famous for its “gullwing” doors that open upwards. It features a 6.2L V8 engine. It is a car he bought for its beauty rather than just raw performance.
- Ferrari F430 Spider ($164,000): Before he bought the $36 million classic Ferrari, he owned this modern convertible. It’s powered by a 4.3L V8 engine and was one of his first “supercar” purchases.
- Audi R8 Spyder V10 ($170,000): While he had many family Audis from sponsorship deals, he also personally owned this two-seater supercar. It is essentially a Lamborghini Huracán in a German suit—loud, fast, and open-top.
- Lexus RX 450h ($50,000): A surprisingly modest choice. This hybrid SUV highlights its practical side. It is reliable, fuel-efficient, and low-profile—perfect for when he wants to drive around without drawing attention to himself.
- Mini Cooper S Cabriolet ($30,000): Rumored to be one of the first cars he bought in his early Barcelona days. It is small, agile, and great for parking in tight European city streets. He likely keeps it for sentimental value.
- Range Rover Sport ($100,000+): In addition to the larger Vogue, he owns the “Sport” version. It is more aggressive and faster, used when he drives alone rather than with the whole family.
2. How Does Messi Decide What to Drive?
Unlike some celebrities who match their car to their outfit, Messi’s choices are purely pragmatic and routine-based.
- The “School Run” Rule: If he is with his wife (Antonela) and their three sons (Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro), he always chooses the largest SUV available. In Miami, this is the Cadillac Escalade. Safety and space are the only priorities here.
- The “Training Zen” Routine: Messi has stated in interviews that he likes to drive to training alone because it is his time to think and mentally prepare. For these drives, he prefers cars that are comfortable but responsive. In Miami, he drives calmly; he isn’t speeding to practice. He views the drive as a moment of peace before the chaos of work.
- The “Incognito” Factor: When he wants to go out for dinner or run a personal errand without being swarmed by fans, he will often take the least flashy car in his garage (like the Lexus or a blacked-out SUV) to blend into traffic.
3. Future Additions: What is the “Dream Car”?
Messi rarely speaks publicly about material desires, but automotive trends and his lifestyle offer clues:
- The Electric Hypercar: There is strong speculation that Messi is looking to add a top-tier Electric Hypercar to his collection, such as the Rimac Nevera or the Pininfarina Battista. As he gets older and more family-focused, the silence and sustainability of an EV, combined with world-beating speed, fit his current profile perfectly.
- The “Miami Lift” Car: Messi owns an apartment in the Porsche Design Tower in Miami, which famously features a “Dezervator”—a car elevator that takes your vehicle directly up to your living room. He may look to buy a rare Porsche 911 GT3 RS or a similar “art piece” car specifically to display in his glass-walled living room garage, treating it more like furniture than transportation.
Conclusion Of Lionel Messi’s Car Collection
Lionel Messi’s car collection is a journey through his life. It began with practical vehicles, moved into high-performance sponsorship cars with Audi, and has now evolved into a portfolio of investment-grade classics and American luxury SUVs.
While he may not flaunt his wealth on social media, his garage proves that the man who conquered the football world also has impeccable taste in the automotive one.