Lionel Messi, the Argentinian football legend, has an astounding net worth of $850 million. Known for his exceptional skills and regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Messi has fascinated the world with his talent. His career has spanned decades, with notable achievements and financial success. Messi’s legacy in football is unrivaled, and his wealth reflects his stature as a global sports icon.
For most of his career, Messi was synonymous with Barcelona, where he played from his teenage years until 2021. Over his tenure at the club, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games, solidifying his place as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. His move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2021 marked a new chapter in his career. Additionally, Messi has represented the Argentina National Team, leading them to a World Cup victory in 2022.
Messi is widely considered to be among the highest-paid athletes globally. His 2017 contract with Barcelona was a milestone, granting him an average annual salary of $168 million. In addition to his soccer salary, Messi earned an additional $70 million annually from endorsements. This impressive deal resulted in Messi making approximately $200 million annually at the peak of his career.
In 2023, Messi made headlines again, announcing his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and joining Inter Miami, a team co-owned by David Beckham. This deal not only offers Messi a base salary of $60 million annually but also includes a unique partnership involving revenue shares from MLS subscriptions sold by Apple. Furthermore, Messi will own 10% of the team, a stake that could be worth $200 million or more.
Despite rumors in some media outlets suggesting that Messi is a billionaire, his wealth is closer to $850 million. By the time his Barcelona contract ended, Messi had earned more than $1.6 billion from salary and endorsements, but he remains shy of reaching billionaire status. His total earnings have been calculated as $1.2 billion from salary and $400 million from endorsements.
Key Facts about Messi’s Finances
- Messi’s Barcelona contract paid him $160 million annually.
- He earned $40-$60 million yearly from various endorsements.
- He is considered the highest-paid athlete worldwide.
- His total annual income typically exceeds $200 million.
- Throughout his career, Messi has accumulated over $1.6 billion in total earnings.
- His salary earnings amount to around $900 million.
- His endorsement earnings add up to about $400 million.
Lionel Messi’s Salary and Contracts
Lionel Messi’s income has been extraordinary, especially during his time at Barcelona. In 2017, Messi signed a record-breaking contract worth $168 million in base salary. The details of this contract were kept private for many years, but a 2021 leak revealed the terms. Before this contract, Messi’s base salary was around $44.68 million.
When Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, his initial two-year contract offered him $75 million per year before taxes. This contract also provided Messi with additional bonuses and a percentage of jersey sales.
Messi’s earnings extend beyond his playing contracts. Every year, he makes approximately $70 million from endorsements, with a significant portion of this coming from his lifetime deal with Adidas.
$1 Billion Saudi Contract
In 2023, Messi was reportedly on the brink of signing a staggering $1 billion contract with a Saudi Pro League team. This deal would have paid Messi $400 million annually, nearly doubling the offer Cristiano Ronaldo received from Saudi club Al Nassr. Ultimately, Messi declined the offer and chose to join Inter Miami instead.
Inter Miami Contract
In June 2023, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami sent through the football world. Messi’s contract with the MLS club includes a salary of $60 million per year, and he also acquired a 10% ownership stake in the team. Inter Miami is valued at approximately $2 billion, and Messi’s stake could increase his wealth significantly.
Messi has been a long-time endorser of Adidas, a partnership that began in 2006. He is one of Adidas’ most valuable brand ambassadors and has his own line of boots called Adidas Messi. While Messi initially signed with Nike as a teenager, his switch to Adidas in 2008 marked the beginning of a successful partnership that has spanned more than a decade.
Visit the Saudi Endorsement Deal
In addition to his Adidas deal, Messi has earned millions from other endorsement contracts. In 2021, Messi signed a three-year agreement with the Saudi Arabian tourism department to promote the country. This deal would pay him $25 million over three years, requiring him to visit Saudi Arabia annually, make ten social media posts, and appear in tourism campaigns.
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi grew up in a working-class family. His father, Jorge Messi, worked as a steelworker, while his mother, Celia Cuccittini, cleaned houses. Messi was close to his siblings, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, and the family often played soccer together.
At the age of six, Messi joined his first soccer club, Rosario’s Newell’s Old Boys. However, at age 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that halted his growth and required expensive medical treatment. When his family couldn’t afford the treatment, Barcelona offered to cover the costs if Messi relocated to Spain. With his father’s approval, Messi moved to Barcelona in 2001, where his journey as a professional footballer began.
Career Journey
Messi’s professional career took off when, at 17, he debuted for FC Barcelona, becoming the youngest player in club history. By 2006, Messi had become an integral part of the team, scoring goals and making significant contributions in major tournaments like La Liga and the Champions League. He became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and scored his first World Cup goal that same year.
Despite facing injuries in the 2006-2007 season, Messi came back stronger, earning accolades and breaking records. In 2009, Messi won his first Ballon d’Or, a prestigious award he would go on to win multiple times. In the 2011-2012 season, Messi set La Liga and European records for most goals scored in a single season, a testament to his prowess on the field.
Messi continued to excel, finishing as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. In 2014, he led Argentina to the World Cup finals, although they lost to Germany. He went on to win numerous other awards, including the Ballon d’Or and an Olympic Gold Medal.
In 2022, Messi achieved his ultimate goal: winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. His performance in the final was crucial, scoring two goals and helping Argentina secure the victory.
Philanthropy
Beyond his success on the field, Messi is known for his charitable work. In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation, which aims to improve education and healthcare opportunities for underprivileged children. Messi has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, working to raise awareness for children’s rights.
Messi has contributed to various causes, including funding youth football clubs in Argentina and making significant donations to fight the coronavirus pandemic. During the COVID-19 crisis, Messi and his Barcelona teammates took a 70% pay cut to ensure that non-football staff at the club wouldn’t face financial hardship.
Personal Life
Messi’s personal life is centered around his long-term relationship with Antonella Roccuzzo, whom he has known since childhood. The couple, married in 2007, has three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Messi is also close to his family, particularly his mother, whose face he has tattooed on his shoulder.
Real Estate
Messi has invested in luxurious real estate throughout his career. In 2009, he purchased a $2 million home in Pedrables, Barcelona, which he later renovated. The property is now worth between $7 million and $10 million.
In 2019, Messi bought a condo in Miami for $5 million. Two years later, he purchased an entire floor of another Miami building for $7.3 million, further expanding his real estate portfolio.
Lionel Messi’s net worth of $850 million, his iconic career, endorsement deals, and personal investments have solidified his place as one of the most influential athletes of all time.
