With two consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 2009 and 2010, it is clear that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world today. He is also the highest-paid player in the world: 31 million euros/year according to France Football.

share0

Having more than enough conditions to live a lavish life, Lionel Messi still prefers a simple life – Photo: luxio.it

Surprisingly, despite being so rich and famous, Messi is not like most other rich young players who are characterized by a lavish lifestyle, owning gorgeous cars, being a familiar face in bars and frequently appearing in the press next to stunning beauties…

Ronaldinho’s “opposing” neighbor

Messi lives in a villa in Castelldefels, a small town near Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast. Messi chose this place because he wanted to be Ronaldinho’s neighbor when the Brazilian played for Barcelona (2003-2008). Although the two were as close as brothers, the young Argentine did not live a lavish and partying life like his senior, who was famous for his late-night parties.

People never see limousines or expensive sports cars hovering in front of Messi’s house, or helicopters flying up and down like at Ronaldinho’s house.

Messi’s villa looks very simple, consisting of two floors, four rooms, a garden and a swimming pool, without a discothèque like in Ronaldinho’s house. There takes place Messi’s very quiet daily life, except for the times he sweats on the football fields.

Early in his career, influenced by his seniors Ronaldinho and Deco, Messi also dabbled in partying. However, his father, Jorge Messi, who became Messi’s agent after years of working at a car parts factory in Rosario, Argentina, quickly restored order to his talented son’s life. Jorge said he told his son: “The age of 16 or 17 is when teenagers are most susceptible to bad influences. We cannot ruin what we have by sacrificing our family to be divided in two, half in Argentina, half in Europe.”

These simple words easily convinced the young player who was naturally gentle. Messi’s life outside the football field was not as exciting and spontaneous as his playing style on the field. Apart from eating, sleeping, training and playing, he entertained himself by watching DVDs and playing video games.

Messi regularly eats at Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona’s training centre. It was here three years ago that coach Pep Guardiola completely overhauled Messi’s diet after noticing he hardly ate vegetables or fish. Since the change, Messi – who had previously suffered from injuries – has had no more muscle pain. Jorge has now returned to Rosario to live with the rest of the family, leaving Messi to fend for himself.

Just have fun with the ball

Messi seems lonely because the brunette Antonella – cousin of a close friend of Messi and also his girlfriend since elementary school – has also returned to Rosario. The only relative who remains with Messi in Barcelona now is his brother Rodrigo, who is married and lives in Barcelona. For Messi, family has always been the most solid support in his life. Messi often tells the press that without his family, he would not have the career he has today.

Earlier this year, Luca Caioli, an Italian journalist based in Spain and author of a biography of Messi, asked him what the three most important things in his life were. His answer: “My family, my father and my brother Rodrigo.” His family consists of his father Jorge, who took Messi across the Atlantic to treat his growth hormone deficiency, his mother Celia and his brother Rodrigo. Wherever they live, the family members live a simple, quiet and unpretentious life.

Explaining why he chose such a simple lifestyle, Messi simply said: “I am Leo de Rosario, a player who is lucky enough to play for Barcelona. The rest is not important. I wake up every day to play football. It is what I love most in life.” It is easy to understand. For Messi, playing football is a hobby that is attractive enough that he does not need any other special entertainment.