Lionel Messi is not only one of the best soccer players to ever play the game, but he is also one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. His incredible skills on the field have earned him numerous accolades, but his financial success off the field is equally impressive. From lucrative contracts to endorsement deals, Messi’s net worth is a testament to his global appeal and unmatched talent.
1. How Much Does He Earn?
Lionel Messi’s net worth has fluctuated over the years, but it has consistently been in the hundreds of billions. As of recent estimates, Messi’s net worth is reported to be around $1.15 billion, although it is often difficult to pinpoint an exact figure due to various factors such as investments and changing contracts.
His wealth is not only a result of his on-field salary but also comes from a combination of endorsements, business ventures, and investments.
- Salary: Messi’s salary is perhaps the most straightforward source of his wealth. For most of his career, Messi played for FC Barcelona, where he earned a massive salary. After moving to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021, his salary remained high, though details about his exact income have often been kept private.
- Endorsements: Messi has long been a favorite among brands. His endorsement deals have made him one of the highest-paid athletes globally. He’s worked with brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser, among many others.
- Business Ventures: Messi has also ventured into business, from his clothing line to owning stakes in companies. His off-field ventures play a significant role in his growing wealth.
2. Messi’s Salary – A Deep Dive into His Earnings from Soccer
One of the most significant components of Messi’s net worth is his salary from soccer clubs. Over the years, Messi has had some of the highest-paying contracts in the world of sports.
FC Barcelona Era
From his youth days at Barcelona to his departure in 2021, Messi’s contract with Barcelona made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His salary included both a base salary and performance bonuses. According to reports, his final contract with Barcelona was worth around $167 million annually, including salary, bonuses, and image rights.
Messi’s time at Barcelona came to an end due to the club’s financial struggles. Messi, a club legend, had to leave after 21 years due to La Liga’s salary cap regulations and Barcelona’s economic difficulties.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Contract
Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While the exact salary terms are not entirely public, it’s estimated that Messi earns around $75 million per year from his PSG contract alone. This includes his salary, signing bonus, and image rights. Given his global status, Messi’s earning power at PSG is unmatched in the world of soccer.
3. Endorsements – The Power of Messi’s Brand
Messi’s endorsement deals significantly boost his wealth. As one of the most recognized athletes worldwide, brands eagerly partner with him.
Key Endorsement Deals
- Adidas: Messi has been the face of Adidas for many years. He’s featured in numerous campaigns and has his line of boots. His long-term partnership with Adidas alone is estimated to be worth $10 million annually.
- Pepsi: Messi has also been the face of Pepsi, starring in multiple commercials alongside other global sports figures like Serena Williams and Kobe Bryant. His endorsement with Pepsi is part of a larger portfolio that includes luxury brands and tech companies.
- Other Brands: Messi’s sponsorship list includes other notable brands like Budweiser, Huawei, and Gatorade. These partnerships contribute millions to his annual income.
Through these endorsements, Messi earns a fortune, with some estimates placing his endorsement earnings at $50 million per year.
4. Messi’s Investments and Business Ventures
While Messi’s salary and endorsements are impressive, his financial success is further magnified by his strategic investments and business ventures.
Real Estate Investments
One of Messi’s most notable investments is his real estate portfolio. Over the years, Messi has purchased properties in Barcelona, Paris, and his home country of Argentina. His property in Castelldefels, Spain, is a mansion that includes a private football pitch, gym, and swimming pool. Additionally, he has properties in Miami and the Caribbean, indicating his keen interest in investing in real estate.
Other Business Ventures
Beyond real estate, Messi has also invested in tech companies, fitness businesses, and the restaurant industry. He owns a chain of restaurants called “Messi Restaurant” in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. His ventures diversify his wealth and position him as not just a sports icon, but a savvy businessman.
Messi’s Charity Work
Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he has donated millions to support children’s healthcare and education worldwide. His charity work enhances his reputation and has the potential to open more doors for future business opportunities.
5. The Impact of Messi’s Brand Value on His Net Worth
Messi’s immense popularity across the globe has created a personal brand worth millions. As a global icon, his brand is associated with excellence, sportsmanship, and success. This makes him an attractive partner for businesses looking to boost their visibility and image.
His brand value continues to grow as he remains a dominant figure in soccer, even as he nears the twilight of his career. In 2024, Forbes estimated Messi’s total income from salary, endorsements, and business ventures to be around $1 billion.
Through his social media platforms, Messi has also leveraged his immense following (over 500 million followers combined on Instagram and other platforms). His ability to influence markets, promote products, and create trends boost his income from sponsorships and endorsements.
6. How Messi’s Net Worth Compares to Other Athletes
While Messi’s net worth is staggering, he is not the only athlete to amass a fortune. However, his financial standing places him among the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Comparison to Other Top Athletes
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Messi’s main rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is similarly wealthy, with an estimated net worth of around $1 billion. While Ronaldo has a different approach to sponsorships (with a greater emphasis on individual branding), both players are regularly at the top of the list of the highest-paid athletes.
- LeBron James: The NBA superstar LeBron James has also achieved incredible wealth, with a net worth that is often estimated to be in the range of $1.2 billion when including his business investments.
Legacy and Longevity
What sets Messi apart is his long-standing dominance on the field and his business acumen off the field. Unlike some athletes who may burn brightly for a few years, Messi has maintained his relevance and brand power throughout his career, which will likely continue to grow after his playing days are over.
Conclusion
Messi’s Wealth Reflects His Global Impact
Lionel Messi’s net worth is a reflection of his extraordinary talent, hard work, and strategic decisions both on and off the field. From his impressive salary at Barcelona and PSG to his lucrative endorsement deals and savvy business ventures, Messi has built a financial empire that mirrors his status as one of the greatest soccer players in history.
Messi’s wealth is not just about how much he earns, but also about how he has diversified his investments, brand, and business endeavors. With his continued influence and unparalleled skill, Messi’s financial future is just as bright as his legacy in the world of sports.