Messi just moved in, and someone instantly made a profit of 20 million pounds.

A businessman reportedly witnessed the value of his luxury villa skyrocket after Lionel Messi moved to live right nearby.

According to The Sun, the appearance of the Inter Miami CF superstar in a high-end residential area in Florida has turned this place into a real estate hotspot, as many wealthy fans want to live near the Argentine football icon.

Businessman Patrick Bet-David once purchased his stunning coastal villa in Fort Lauderdale for about 15 million pounds. However, the value of the house has now soared to approximately 35 million pounds after Messi bought a large property located just across the street. The owner of 8 Ballon d'Or awards moved to this area in September 2023, after signing a contract with Inter Miami.

Messi spent about 8.6 million pounds to buy a 10-bedroom riverfront villa in the Bay Colony, an extremely upscale residential community. The house has a living area of approximately 10,500 square feet, accompanied by a swimming pool, spa, and gym. There are also two private boat docks and it is not far from the Inter Miami stadium.

However, the factor causing the real estate value to surge significantly is Messi's global appeal. According to South Florida real estate broker Kathia Molina, Messi's presence completely transformed the area overnight.

She said: "There is a businessman named Patrick Bet-David. He bought a house in Bay Colony for about $20 million, then boom… Messi moved into the house right across the street. That's it. Patrick's house value immediately increased to $45 million. That means a profit of about $25 million just because the world champion lives right behind the fence."

"No renovations, no upgrades, nothing at all. Now people are willing to pay any price just so their kids can say: 'This morning I saw Messi walking his dog.'"

She also said Fort Lauderdale was once a quiet yacht town, but has now become "the world's most expensive fan stadium."

Bet-David himself previously spoke about Messi's impact on this enclosed community. In September 2023, he said: "Just my house alone has increased in value by $25 million. Messi just moved right next to my house. Everyone wants to live in this community. Since Messi arrived, people come by boat just to look at the houses. We are doing fine."

Messi currently lives in this villa with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and three sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The family moved to Miami after the Argentine captain completed the blockbuster deal to join Inter Miami.