Messi at forefront of property boom

The Barcelona superstar is part of a growing
trend of players who are preparing for life after
hanging up their boots by making shrewd
investment decisions
By Ben Lyttleton
“There is a place where you can rediscover the
beauty of a sunrise, and feel the wind in the
trees. A special place where the blossoms flourish
and where the countryside and river make nature
breathe life. It’s a place of tranquility and
freedom so you can pause from the pace of
urban life. It’s Azahares Del Parana, where you
can feel the pulse of nature.”
So reads the literature that accompanies the
Azahares Del Parana construction project. It is
being built in a small town called Fighiera, 30
kilometres away from Lionel Messi’s home city of
Rosario, and it sounds amazing. An enclave of
seven gated communities, with a huge park, 600-
metre beach, sports centre with volleyball and
football pitches, tennis courts and a golf course.
And, of course, a marina with berths for 60 boats.
A retreat, a country club, a haven, call it what you
will, it sounds impressive. As it should be: Messi
himself has invested up to $10million in the
business along with his partner, Marcelo
Muniagurria, a former vice-governor of Santa Fe.
That is not the only property investment that
Messi has made: he invested in the Aqualina
tower in central Rosario, a building 125 metres
high with 40 floors of apartments. It opened in
2009.