WHEN you've recently signed a deal to become the world's highest paid footballer - what else are you going to spend your money on?

Back in November, Lionel Messi inked a new deal with Barcelona that saw his salary jump to around £500,000-per-week.

So, with that sort of money flying around you can be sure that the Argentinian superstar has a car collection to die for.

And you wouldn't be wrong, either. SunSport has worked out that the mercurial forward starring in World Cup 2018 has a fleet of motors worth £2.7m in his garage.

Like his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi loves collecting cars and also owns a rare Pagani Zonda that is believed to be worth £1.5m.

But the Barcelona whizz also keeps it real with a Mini Cooper worth just £15k.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, £110k

Built for speed demons, it's the first Maserati GranTurismo capable of breaking the 186mph barrier with a top speed of 188 mph.

A two-seater Italian masterpiece, it features a 4.7 litre, 460 HP V8 engine and glides on the road, just like Messi does on the pitch.

Maserati GranTurismo S, £100k

The little number ten really loves Maserati, so much so he has two.

Originally unveiled in 2008, the GranTurismo S can hit 0-62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

That's not as fast as it takes Messi to find the back of the net, mind.

Ferrari F430 Spider, £173k

Nearly every footballer has one...

John Terry, Mesut Ozil and more flock to Ferrari - maybe the sexiest car ever made - and Messi's no different.

It was designed by Pininfarina with aerodynamic simulation programs used for Formula 1 cars.

Audi R8 V10, £109,765

Before Messi was building his brood, he now has three kids (Matias, Maria and Rodrigo), he favoured sporty two-seater cars, like the beautiful R8.

Other footballers to get behind the wheel of the R8 include Mario Balotelli, Stephen Ireland and El Hadji Diouf.

Given Barcelona are sponsored by Audi, we wonder if they offered Messi any discounts?

Mini Cooper, £15k

Messi won't be blowing the doors off this little number.

The classic Mini Cooper has been a firm favourite with footballers over the years, with everyone from Nemanja Matic to N'Golo Kante rocking up to training in one.

Even Kyle Walker has one and gave a lift to Man City team-mate John Stones in his classic Cooper. It's by far the cheapest car in Messi's collection.

Dodge Charger SRT8, £45k

A classic American staple, Dodge Chargers have been immortalised in the Fast and Furious movies by the likes of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.

Imagining Messi is a fan of those films, that could explain why he added a SRT8 to his collection.

Not as dynamic as his other sporty cars, it can still pack a punch - reaching a top speed of around 152 mph.

Audi R8 Spyder, £118k

With a horsepower of 397 to 449 kW, an ability to hit 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds, the R8 is a work of art.

In fact, car reviewers have regularly scored this Audi as a five out of five ride.

Zipping around the streets of Barcelona has never looked more elegant.

Cadillac Escalade, £70k

A more fitting SUV for family man Messi these days, the Escalade is the ultimate US luxury vehicle.

Over the years, everyone from Hollywood stars to the President have been seen hopping out of an Escalade.

Plus, with all that space, he can fit his entire family in there too.

Audi Q7, £50k

Another one we're sure that Audi must've given Messi a good deal on.

Messi is clearly taking life as a family man very seriously by owning a reliable, spacious and luxurious Q7.

Interestingly, Audi only started making SUVs ten years ago. Since then, they've flooded the footballers' market.

Range Rover Vogue, £78,740

The ideal runner to take to training, or leaving the Nou Camp, Messi loves his Range Rover Vogue.

The Range Rover is officially the most popular SUV among the footballing elite, as well as being the pinnacle of luxury.

Their Vogue model is especially stunning because it boasts special add-ons, including a boss Meridian Surround Sound System and a 360 degree parking aid.

Toyota Prius, £27k

In his later years, Messi has proven he's at one with nature and certainly a conserver of energy.

He built a stunning eco-friendly home, One-Zero Eco-House on the outskirts of Barcelona.

And he also acquired a hybrid vehicle - the incredibly popular Prius - well, incredibly popular with Uber drivers.

Lexus RX, £47,714

Big, powerful and more efficient, Lexus RX has been the Japanese carmaker's best SUV for years.

It's also a hybrid crossover, which means it uses less petrol and is eco-friendly.

Again, not as popular with the footballing set - it shows Messi is unique with his car choices.

Audi A7, £54k

The modest Sportback is a reliable runner, great for darting into Barcelona town centre.

It beautifully combines supercar performance with everyday practicality.

The A7 has been lauded over the years, winning countless awards in 2012 for car of the year by experts.

Mercedes SLS, £200k

Not one you'd drive on the busy streets of Barcelona, the SLS is definitely a keeper for the collection.

Developed by the Mercedes-AMG division, this German stunner has a retractable rear wing which extends at a speed of 70 mph.

'SLS' stands for 'Super Leicht Sport' which translates to 'Super Light Sport'. Given Messi's nicknamed the flea, that sounds about right that he should have one of these.

Pagani Zonda Roadster, £1.5m

The one that will never get away.

Ranked as one of the most expensive cars in the world, but not road legal, Messi must polish his supercar nightly.

Since 1999, Pagani has made motors - and reportedly only 40 of these babies were ever made, which is why it appreciates in price.

Incidentally, Messi's nemesis Ronaldo drove a Pagani Huayra in a Nike ad once, jokingly crashing it. No wonder the Argie doesn't get on with him.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6532330/lionel-messi-car-collection-argentina-barcelona-pagani-zonda/

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