Lionel Messi is known to every football fan, but his passion for fast and luxurious cars is no less interesting among automotive enthusiasts. Over the years of his brilliant career, the Argentine striker has amassed an impressive collection of technique that reflects his status as one of the greatest sports stars of modern times. Messi’s choice of vehicles often becomes newsworthy, especially when he swaps his everyday car for something more exclusive.
Unlike some shop-mates who prefer extreme supercars like Lamborghini or Ferrari, Messi’s style has long gravitated toward restrained luxury and German engineering. However, in recent years, in his garage there were real pearls of the automotive industry, the cost of which is estimated in millions of euros. In this article, we will discuss in detail, what Messi drives Right now, and what models have been the basis of his fleet at different times.
It is worth noting that a football player rarely buys cars for the sake of resale, preferring to enjoy owning unique copies. His choice often falls on models with special status or limited edition. Below is a detailed analysis of the star’s transport preferences, including technical details and the history of each specimen.
Main choice: Dominance of the Audi brand
For a long time, Lionel Messi’s main partner was a German company. Audi. The footballer signed an advertising contract with the brand, which obliged him to appear in public and training on cars of this brand. This gave the impression that Messi had a special sympathy for the four-ringed emblem. The first car in his collection was Audi R8He became a symbol of his transition to the elite club of world stars.
Model Audi R8 The V10 coupe became a real hit in the Argentine’s garage. This car combined sporty dynamics and everyday comfort, which was ideal for the rhythm of life of a professional athlete. Later, the lineup was replenished with a more practical, but no less powerful one. Audi Q7. This SUV was often seen near the home of a footballer when it was necessary to transport a family or large cargo.
The peak of cooperation with Audi has become unique Audi RS6 AvantIt was created specifically for Messi in a single copy. The car received a special body color “Nardo Grey” and a personalized license plate. The presence of such a car emphasizes the status of the owner. RS6 Avant It is considered one of the best wagons in the world in terms of a combination of power and practicality. Even after the end of his sponsorship contract, Messi remained loyal to the brand, continuing to use these cars for personal needs.
- 🏎️ Audi R8 V10 Plus is a sports coupe that has become a classic in the collection.
- 🚙 Audi Q7 is a family SUV for comfortable trips with children.
- 🚐 Audi RS6 Avant is a unique wagon, created by special order.
- 🚗 Audi A1 is a compact hatchback for fast urban movements.
It is important to understand that sponsorship obligations often dictate the choice of vehicle for public travel. However, in life, the stars have complete freedom of choice, and the fact that Messi has long used Audi, speaks about his personal preferences in comfort and handling.
Exclusive purchase: Bugatti EB110
One of the most high-profile purchases in the history of the Lionel fleet was the acquisition of the legendary car. Bugatti EB110 Super Sport. This car was purchased at auction in Italy and cost the footballer about 2 million euros. The purchase is notable not only for its cost, but also for the historical significance of the model, which is the predecessor of modern Bugatti hypercars.
Bugatti EB110 It is equipped with a quad-turbo V12 engine, making it a real monster on the road. For Messi, it was not just an investment, but a way to get a rare copy, produced in the amount of only 139 pieces. The car requires special care and storage conditions, as it is a world-class collectible value. Owning such a car puts the owner on a par with serious collectors of vehicles.
⚠️ Note: Buying rare collectible cars like the Bugatti EB110 requires specialized service and storage conditions. Conventional STOs do not have the competence to service four-turbine engines of the early 90s.
Experts note that the choice of this model demonstrates Messi’s deep interest in the history of the automotive industry. Unlike the modern hypercars you see on the streets of Monaco or Dubai, the car is a big one. EB110 It is a piece of history that the footballer carefully preserves. The technical condition of this car is maintained at a level close to the factory level, which is confirmed by rare photos from closed events.
Why is the Bugatti EB110 so much appreciated by collectors?
This car was developed during the period when the Bugatti brand was revived under the leadership of Romano Artoli. It was the first supercar with four turbines and four all-wheel drive ahead of its time. The surviving copies in perfect condition are now much more expensive than the purchase price.
Family Values: Mercedes-Benz and Practicality
Despite the love of sports cars, the main load in the daily life of the Messi family is the brand’s technology. Mercedes-Benz. In the garage of the footballer repeatedly noticed various models of the German concern, including minivans and SUVs. This is a logical choice for a person who often has to transport a spouse and three children.
Among the cars seen are the Mercedes-Benz V-Class A premium minivan that is often used for family travel. The comfort of the second and third rows of seats in this model allows you to travel long distances without fatigue. Also present in the collection. Mercedes-Benz GLE CoupeIt combines the style of the cross-coupe and the cross-country ability of a full-fledged SUV.
Mercedes’ choice is often driven by the highest level of safety, which is the number one priority for a public figure of this size. Active protection systems and reliability of units allow you to feel confident in any road conditions. Mercedes-Benz Messi’s performance is always black or dark body tones, which gives cars a strict and representative look.
- 🚐 The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the perfect vehicle for the whole family.
- 🚙 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a stylish crossover with a sporty character.
- 🚗 The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a classic business meeting sedan.
It is worth noting that cars of this brand in the garage of the star are often equipped with additional security systems. The tinted glass and reinforced armor may not be visible from the outside, but they are the standard for VIP protection. The technical characteristics of these cars are adapted for a calm but confident ride.
The most popular of these is the Ferrari 335 S.
One of the most expensive and significant purchases in the life of Lionel Messi was the purchase of a rare item. Ferrari 335 S 1957 edition. The car was bought at Sotheby’s auction in Paris for a record 32 million euros. The car has a rich racing history and was previously owned by famous racer Stirling Mozs.
Ferrari 335 S It is not just a vehicle, but a museum exhibit that has the right to move on public roads. The 4-liter V12 engine produces enough power for confident movement, but the main value of the car is in its history. Messi has become the owner of this masterpiece to preserve it for future generations, although he does not deny the pleasure of sometimes riding it.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 1957 | The era of the heyday of Ferrari |
| Engine. | V12, 4.0 l | Designed by Gioacchino Colombo |
| Power | 390 hp | For the 50s, it was a phenomenon. |
| Purchase price | €32,000,000 | Sotheby's auction record |
⚠️ Note: The operation of cars of such rarity requires special permits and escort. Departure Ferrari 335 S In normal traffic, it is almost impossible due to the risk of damage and the high cost of recovery.
Buying such a car takes Messi’s collection to a whole new level. If previous cars were just very expensive, the Ferrari 335 S is an investment in the history of motorsport. Lionel Messi paid 32 million euros for the Ferrari 335 S, making it one of the most expensive car auctions in history.
Modern luxury: Maserati and Range Rover
In recent years, the Argentinian has seen cars that combine Italian style and British luxury. Among them stands out. Maserati GranTurismo. This Grand Tourer was gifted to the footballer or purchased by him for special occasions. The elegant design and roar of the V8 engine make this car a welcome example for any motorist.
Messi also did not ignore the brand Range Rover. The manufacturer's models, such as Range Rover Sport or AutobiographyThey are often found in the garages of world stars. High ground clearance, comfortable suspension and premium cabin materials make them ideal for daily use in all weather conditions. For Messi, who lives in Barcelona and Paris and now in Miami, the versatility of the car plays a key role.
☑️ The criteria for choosing a car for a football star
Choice in favour Maserati and Range Rover It shows that a footballer appreciates diversity. If Audi is a tribute to contracts and German precision, Italian and British cars bring the necessary emotionality and status to the garage. Maintenance of such cars requires contacting official dealerships, where staff is trained to work with VIP customers.
Maintenance and logistics
Owning so many exclusive equipment requires a complex logistics scheme. Messi’s cars often cross continental borders with their owner. Rarities such as the Ferrari 335 S or Bugatti EB110 are transported in special airtight climate-controlled containers to prevent any damage.
Maintenance of the park is carried out by a team of personal mechanics and trusted service centers. For each car, an individual journal is kept, where all oil replacements, mileage and work performed are recorded. This is especially important for maintaining the collectible value of rare specimens. Service services These cars can cost more than buying a new car in the mass market.
In Miami, where Messi spends a lot of time, a special room with security is allocated for the collection. Storage conditions are in line with museum standards: humidity control, temperature control and no direct sunlight. This allows you to keep the paintwork and interiors in their original form for many years.
⚠️ Note: When distilling cars between countries, customs documents must be carefully drawn up. A mistake in the declaration for a car worth millions of euros could lead to his arrest at the border.
Comparative characteristics of the fleet
To better understand the scale of the collection, it is worth comparing the key characteristics of Messi’s main cars. Each car in his garage performs its function: from fast delivery to the airport to a comfortable family trip.
Sports models like the Audi R8 and the Maserati GranTurismo are used to get the driving experience. The Range Rover and Mercedes GLE SUVs provide safety and space. Rarities like the Ferrari 335 S are a financial asset and a source of pride.
| Model | Body type |
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