The arrival of Lionel Messi in Fort Lauderdale has brought a lot of attention to both the city and the real estate market there. The soccer star, who just signed with Inter Miami CF, spent $10.75 million on a house in the Bay Colony, a fancy island neighborhood known for its waterfront homes and high security.

The move by Messi and his wife, model Antonela Roccuzzo, has gotten a lot of attention from the media and people all over the world. Some people think that Messi’s appearance may raise demand and set a new price standard for the neighborhood’s real estate, but others say that having a famous neighbor doesn’t always make property prices go up by a lot.

Ron Shuffield, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, says that living next to a star can make an area more appealing, but it might not cause home prices to go up by a lot. Instead, it improves the neighborhood’s image and makes it more desirable.

Fort Lauderdale itself has been growing in popularity beyond just Bay Colony, evolving from a spring break destination into a thriving economic center and a sought-after location for permanent residents. This trend is expected to continue, bolstered by Messi’s presence and Inter Miami’s stadium development.

The property Messi purchased is an eight-bedroom, nine-and-a-half bathroom mansion with 170 feet of waterfront, two docks, a fitness and spa room, an office, and a spacious primary bedroom suite. It is located in Bay Colony, an exclusive neighborhood known for its 24-hour armed security and proximity to prestigious private schools.

Messi’s move to Fort Lauderdale is not only a significant development for the city but also a testament to the growing appeal of South Florida beyond Miami, as more areas within the region continue to attract residents and investors.