Why the world’s biggest athletes are calling Miami home

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Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic share something in common.

The most obvious is sports. Messi and Beckham are footballing legends while Williams and Djokovic are highly accomplished professional tennis players.

But just like entertainment stars Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Lopez, all four are proud owners of luxurious property in Miami.

Miami has fast become one of the most inviting and popular destinations for celebrities and Russian oligarchs to settle in, thanks to the stunning beaches, tranquillity and privacy it offers to its residents.

And this is the most disturbing side to the story for the passionate football fans who celebrated Messi’s move to Inter Miami.

Messi’s arrival to Miami did not only generate excitement to the Latino communities in the United States, it brought vibe to Major League Soccer (MLS).

In his third season, Messi has transformed the MLS, with stadium capacities growing from 20,000 to 80,000. In the same period, Inter Miami’s home match tickets skyrocketed too. The cheapest tickets rose from $35 (sh125,000) to $180 (sh650,000). Although this is still expensive, an Inter Miami ticket is something to die for.

About 60,000 fans turned up for Inter Miami’s opening game at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, which featured Lionel Messi.

And yet fans still couldn’t find or get hold of Messi. The security detail around him is excessive. But then again, understandably so, considering Messi’s status and charged Latino fans in this part of the world.

Argentine fans were in Miami in their thousands. For most, that travelled to Miami to support Boca Juniors and watch Messi, was like ‘winning a lottery’. “I want his (Messi) autograph. I came from Buenos Aires to support Boca and follow Messi,” one Boca fan said.

Messi owns a home in the prestigious Bay Colony neighbourhood of Fort Lauderdale, south Florida. The Bay Colony is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most exclusive neighbourhoods in Florida.

There is 24-hour security that made it impossible for fans to access.

Messi also owns a full-floor condo at the Porsche Design Tower. But the condo accommodates his parents.

The alternative venues of fans’ meet-and-greet opportunities in Miami were the designated training bases.

Most fans, hoping to see their superstar footballers, flocked to their teams training sessions. Florida (9) has the most clubs.

Besides Inter Miami, Al Ahly FC train at the Nova Southeastern University, Dortmund at Inter Miami’s Training Centre, and Boca Juniors at Barry University.

Mamelodi Sundowns were based at IMG Academy, Manchester City at Lynn University, while Real Madrid and Benfica were at Gardens North County District Park and Waters Sportsplex, respectively.

Chelsea, Flamengo, Bayern and Juventus occasionally utilised the facilities in Florida.

It must be stated that despite the gated neighbourhoods for the super-rich, Miami is home to a wide multicultural community of people.

If you intend to make new friends or just soak up the local culture, you’ll love Miami’s friendly and open-minded vibe.

For cuisines, you will find everything from continental dishes to seafood at about $45 (sh160,000) per person per day or $1000 (sh3.5m) per month. Groceries are also on the higher side, averaging about $30 (sh100,000) per day, or $600 (sh2.2m) per month.

The famous West Palm, Calle Ocho, Golden Beach gardens, Bal Harbour, Lincoln Road Mall or the Bayside Market offer awesome sights or shopping experience.

Surely, the choices are many and yours to take.