Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth?

Lionel Messi, a professional athlete born in Argentina, has amassed a net worth of $850 million. Often considered the greatest soccer player globally and among the finest in history, he is undoubtedly one of the highest-paid athletes ever. From his teenage years until 2021, Messi played for Barcelona, scoring an impressive 672 goals in 778 matches. On August 10, 2021, the transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was announced, and he currently represents the Argentina National Team as well. On December 18, 2022, he and the Argentina team clinched the World Cup title.

Messi likely holds the title of the highest-paid soccer player globally and ranks among the most financially rewarded athletes overall. His monumental 2017 contract with Barcelona included an average annual salary of $168 million. In addition, he brings in about $70 million annually from endorsements, leading to total earnings of around $200 million yearly under that contract. On June 7, 2023, Messi revealed his decision to join Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, with a unique agreement encompassing a revenue share from Apple’s MLS season subscriptions, alongside an ownership interest in the team. More specifics about this contract will be discussed later, but in essence, Messi’s base salary at Inter Miami amounts to $60 million, and he will acquire a 10% ownership stake at the conclusion of his contract. If the team retains its value post-retirement, that stake could be worth significantly over $200 million.

It’s essential to clarify that despite what some less reliable sources may claim, Lionel Messi is NOT A BILLIONAIRE. By the end of his Barcelona contract, complemented by endorsements, Messi had earned over $1.6 billion. According to our estimates, his salary earnings sum up to approximately $1.2 billion, with endorsements contributing an additional $400 million. Some reports misconstrued the statistic regarding his total earnings surpassing $1 billion, mistakenly labeling him a “billionaire.”

Lionel Messi Salary and Contracts

During his peak years at Barcelona, Lionel Messi was undoubtedly the highest-paid soccer player worldwide. In 2017, he entered into a contract with Barcelona, securing a base salary of $168 million. For several years, the details of his contract were closely guarded; however, in January 2021, the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” disclosed the leaked contract information. Prior to this, his annual base salary under an earlier contract was recorded at $44.68 million.

In August 2021, Messi officially signed with Paris Saint-Germain, agreeing to an initial two-year contract that amounts to $75 million annually before taxes, translating to roughly $40 million post-taxes. His contract also includes potential bonuses based on specific achievements and a share of jersey sales.

Messi secures an extra $70 million each year through endorsements, which includes a lifetime partnership with Adidas.

$1 Billion Saudi Contract

Reports emerged in May 2023 suggesting that Lionel Messi was close to signing a staggering $1 billion contract with an undisclosed Saudi Pro League team. This potential deal would offer Messi an annual salary of $400 MILLION. If accurate, that salary would almost double the $535 million agreement Cristiano Ronaldo finalized in December 2022 with Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team. Ultimately, Messi declined this offer, opting instead for a contract with Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham.

Inter Miami

On June 7, 2023, news broke that Messi intended to join Inter Miami, an MLS franchise co-owned by David Beckham. The reported contract stipulates a salary of $1.03 million per week (equivalent to $54 million per year) over a four-year span. Interestingly, Messi’s Miami deal will be augmented by revenue from subscriptions sold by Apple for its MLS Season Pass. Subsequently, it was confirmed that Messi’s contract with Inter Miami guarantees him a $60 million annual salary along with a 10% ownership stake in a team valued at as much as $2 billion.

Adidas Endorsement

As one of the world’s most recognized athletes, Messi has had a sponsorship deal with Adidas since 2006, serving as their leading brand ambassador. Initially, he was signed with Nike at age 14 but made the switch to Adidas. In 2008, Messi launched a signature collection of Adidas boots and was provided with his own sub-brand named Adidas Messi.

Visit Saudi Endorsement Deal

A leaked contract from June 2023 revealed that in January 2021, Lionel signed a three-year agreement that could yield him $25 million for promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia. This contract includes specific obligations for Messi:

• #1) He must take an annual vacation to Saudi Arabia, bringing up to 20 friends. All travel and five-star accommodations costs are covered. This vacation must last at least five days.
• #2) He is required to make ten social media postings annually promoting Saudi Arabia with hashtags approved by the kingdom.
• #3) Participation in an annual advertising campaign for tourism. Last year, this involved appearing in a promotional video for Visit Saudi.

For obligations #2 and #3, he receives $2 million per task annually, with the opportunity to earn an additional $2 million yearly for participating in “charitable work.”

When calculated, Messi has the potential to earn $25 million over three years for relatively minimal commitments. However, one stipulation exists: according to the contract reviewed by the Times, Lionel is prohibited from making any statements that might “tarnish” Saudi Arabia.

Early Life

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24, 1987. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, worked in a steel factory while his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, took up cleaning jobs part-time. He shares a close bond with his two older siblings, Rodrigo and Matias, along with a sister named Maria Sol. They often played soccer together with cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, who also became professional footballers. Messi became a member of the Rosario soccer club when he was just a child.

At just six years old, he started playing for Newell’s Old Boys.

Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of ten, Lionel’s father struggled to afford his medical treatments. While Newell’s initially pledged financial support, they later withdrew it. Carles Rexach, the Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, offered to cover Messi’s medical expenses on the condition that he relocate to Spain. With his father’s consent, a contract was hastily written on a napkin, and in February 2001, the family moved to Barcelona. They settled in an apartment close to Camp Nou, the club’s stadium. After his mother and siblings returned to Rosario, Messi experienced homesickness while remaining in Barcelona with his father. A year later, he joined the Royal Spanish Football Federation and became part of the “Baby Dream Team,” a prestigious group of young soccer talents at Barcelona.

Career

At 17, Lionel debuted in the league against RCD Espanyol, becoming the third-youngest player in FC Barcelona’s history. He also became the youngest-ever scorer for the club at that time. During the 2005-2006 season, Messi transitioned to being paid as a first-team player and secured his Spanish citizenship. Additionally, he made his First Division league debut. In his first match, he received a standing ovation after scoring alongside superstar Ronaldinho. Out of seventeen league appearances, he netted six goals, along with one goal in six Champions League matches. In 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine player to appear and score in the FIFA World Cup.

Following the World Cup, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal in the 2006-2007 season, requiring three months of recovery. He returned to the pitch as a substitute against Racing Santander. In March of the same season, he achieved a hat trick against Real Madrid, marking him as the first player since Ivan Zamorano to accomplish this feat in El Clasico. In the 2007-2008 season, he led Barcelona into La Liga’s top four. He was nominated as a forward for the FIFA Pro World XI Player Award and was recognized by Marca as the best player in the world. Many other publications echoed this sentiment, suggesting Messi should receive the Ballon d’Or. He ultimately won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at 22 years of age, followed by three consecutive wins. He also won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2012, Messi set records in La Liga and Europe for the most goals in a single season, establishing himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. Over the next two seasons, as team captain, he finished second for the Ballon d’Or behind his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2014, he led Argentina to the World Cup finals, earning the Golden Ball honor. Although he announced his retirement in 2016, he withdrew it and guided Argentina to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, also helping the team achieve third place in the 2019 Copa America. In 2019, Messi claimed a record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or.

2022 World Cup

On December 18, Lionel and his teammates from Argentina triumphed over France in the 2022 World Cup final. Excluding penalty kicks, Lionel scored two goals during the match, which extended into overtime and culminated in a shootout.

Charity

As the founder of the Leo Messi Foundation, Messi aims to provide better education and healthcare opportunities for underprivileged children. This charity was established in 2007 after a transformative visit to a Boston children’s hospital. With the support of Herbalife, his foundation assists in funding medical treatment, transportation, and recovery for children suffering from serious medical issues. Since March 2010, Messi has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. He undertook a field mission for UNICEF, traveling to Haiti to raise awareness about the circumstances faced by children following a devastating earthquake.

Messi also engages in individual fundraising initiatives, including global football matches, to raise funds for various charities. He supports several youth football clubs in Argentina, such as Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. At Newell’s, his childhood club, Messi financed the construction of a new gym and dormitory within the club’s stadium in 2012. His former coach now works for the Messi Foundation as a scout for young talent.

In March 2020, Messi donated $1 million to aid in the fight against coronavirus. Furthermore, he and his BarcelonaFC teammates accepted a 70 percent reduction in their salaries during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that no club employees would face wage cuts amid the crisis.

Personal Life

Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with Antonella Roccuzzo, who hails from Rosario as well. Their friendship dates back to when they were five years old, and they publicly confirmed their romance in January 2009. Messi and Roccuzzo tied the knot in Rosario in June 2007. The couple has three children: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018). Lionel maintains a close bond with his immediate family, particularly his mother, whose portrait is tattooed on his left shoulder. His family largely manages his professional matters, with his father serving as his agent since Messi turned 14. His older brother Rodrigo is responsible for his public relations.

Real Estate

In 2009, Messi invested $2 million in a home located in the Pedrables neighborhood of Barcelona. He subsequently spent millions on renovations, and the property’s current estimated value is between $7 million and $10 million.

In November 2019, he acquired a condo in Miami for $5 million, followed by a $7.3 million purchase of the entire ninth floor of a different Miami building in April 2021.