With supreme control, effortless acceleration and an iconic image, it’s no wonder Lionel Messi has a penchant for sports cars.

In fact, according to research undertaken by ManySpins.com, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner boasts the most expensive car collection of any of the world’s highest paid athletes. And what a collection it is, too.

Within the game, the Argentine’s exploits have often seen him hailed as the greatest footballer in the history of the sport, having broken all manner of records and amassed an astonishing amount of trophies and individual honours. However, away from the pitch, adding to his array of fast cars appears to be his pride and joy.

Messi’s vast collection is said to consist of 13 vehicles, worth a combined value in excess of £28million – over £10m more than a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. By contrast, the Portuguese superstar’s assortment totals an overall value of just over £18m – despite the fact he is thought to possess six more cars.

The most expensive car in Messi’s insаne garage collection is the Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti.

Messi picked up this vintage Ferrari at an auction for a staggering $34,876,800 (£28million).

According to reports, the football star purchased the beast, which has a 4.0L V12 engine and a top speed of 300 km/h, at an auction.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the Argentina skipper posted a picture of himself holding a tiny miniature version of the car.