Star Soccer Players Sport Some Sweet Rides

A month ago, only avid soccer fans knew who Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. were. However, thanks to the just ended FIFA World Cup, the trio have become household names, and rightfully so - After all, Messi was instrumental in getting Argentina to the finals, and Brazil's dismal performance against Germany and the Netherlands highlighted just how important Neymar is to the country's success in soccer. Though Ronaldo did not quite live up to the lofty expectations, he did score one of the two goals in Portugal's final game against Ghana and made a crucial assist in their match against the United States.

Win or lose, it is quite apparent that the three players are extremely passionate about soccer. What is not as well-known is their penchant for cars. Fortunately, with the amount of money they earn playing their favorite game, the trio have the luxury to indulge in several vehicles.

With a net worth of $180MM USD and annual earnings of $64.7MM USD, Lionel Messi, who is considered to be the world's best soccer player, has been able to accumulate a sizable car collection. The four-time winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or and 2014 World Cup Adidas Golden Ball, has eight cars in his garage. Among them are a Ferrari F430 Spider, Maserati GranTurismo S, Audi R8 Spyder, and MC Stradle.

While those are hardly surprising, his ownership of more staid cars like the Lexus 4x4, Dodge Charger SRT8 and hybrid Toyota Prius, certainly is. They showcase a different side of the star soccer player - that of a devout family man and dad to 20-month-old Thiago Messi! In case you are wondering - this ultra cool collection set him back a mere $1.19mm USD - chump change for someone with his earning potential!

Following Portugal's surprise exit from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo made an early retreat to his home and extensive car collection in Madrid.The 29-year-old who won the coveted Ballon d' Or award in 2013, sports an even more impressive line-up of vehicles that include the environmentally-friendly Koenigsegg CCX which retails for over $545,000 USD.

He also owns a McLaren MP4-12C High Sport and a blue LaFerrari, a limited edition hybrid Ferrari that came to market in 2013. What is missing from the Real Madrid player's $4.9mm USD collection is a 'family' car - Ronaldo seems to prefer taking 4-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. in his 'cheaper', less flashy, vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C Class Sports Coupe and Porsche Cayenne.

In comparison to Messi and Ronaldo, 22-year-old soccer phenom Neymar, has a modest car collection that includes a Volvo XC60, Porsche Panamera, and Audi R8 GT. Instead, this youngster who recently signed a lucrative five-year contract with FC Barcelona, prefers to splurge on flashier rides like a personal helicopter and luxury yacht which if rumors are to believed, set him back an astounding $15mm USD!

Resources: auto.ndtv.com, forbes.com, celebritynetworth.com