Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Title: Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 9, 2025


What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth?

An Argentinian-born professional athlete, Lionel Messi boasts a net worth of $850 million. Often considered the best soccer player in the world and among the greatest in history, he is certainly one of the highest-paid players ever. From his teenage years until 2021, Lionel Messi played for Barcelona, where he achieved an impressive record of 672 goals across 778 matches. On August 10, 2021, news broke that he would transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, he is a player for the Argentina National Team, which claimed the World Cup title on December 18, 2022.

Arguably the highest-paid soccer player globally, Messi ranks as one of the top earners in the sports industry overall. His groundbreaking contract with Barcelona in 2017 provided him an average base annual salary of $168 million. Endorsements contribute an estimated $70 million to his annual income, bringing his total income under that contract to about $200 million per year. On June 7, 2023, Messi revealed he was joining David Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami, in a unique arrangement that includes a revenue share from subscriptions sold through Apple’s MLS coverage and an ownership stake in the franchise. More details on this contract will follow in this article, but in short, his base salary with Inter Miami is set at $60 million, and he will acquire a 10% equity in the team upon contract completion. Should the team’s value hold after his retirement, that stake could be worth upwards of $200 million.

Contrary to information found in some less reliable sources, Lionel Messi is NOT A BILLIONAIRE. By the conclusion of his Barcelona career, with endorsements factored in, he had earned over $1.6 billion. To date, our calculations show he has roughly earned $1.2 billion in salary and $400 million through endorsements. Some outlets misinterpreted his overall earnings surpassing $1 billion, mistakenly labeling him a “billionaire.”

Key Facts
  • The Barcelona contract provided him $160 million annually
  • Annual endorsement earnings range from $40-60 million
  • He holds the title of the highest paid athlete globally
  • Total annual income typically exceeds $200 million
  • In his career, he has earned in excess of $1.6 billion from all sources
  • Salary earnings approach $900 million
  • Endorsements contribute approximately $400 million

Lionel Messi Salary and Contracts

During his peak years at Barcelona, Lionel Messi secured the title of the highest-paid soccer player worldwide. He signed a contract in 2017 that included a base salary of $168 million. For several years, the specifics of his contract remained confidential, but in January 2021, the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” released leaked details. His previous contract featured an annual base salary of $44.68 million.

In August 2021, Messi made a move to Paris Saint-Germain. His initial two-year contract equates to a salary of $75 million annually before taxes, translating to approximately $40 million after tax deductions. Additionally, Messi’s contract includes potential bonuses tied to performance metrics and a share of jersey sales.

From endorsements, Messi pockets an extra $70 million each year, complemented by a lifetime endorsement agreement with Adidas.

$1 Billion Saudi Contract

In May 2023, reports indicated that Lionel Messi was nearing the signing of a $1 billion deal with an unnamed Saudi Pro League club. The agreement would…

It has been reported that Lionel is offered a salary of $400 MILLION per season. If accurate, this annual income would nearly surpass the 2.5-year, $535 million contract Cristiano Ronaldo accepted in December 2022 with a Saudi Pro League team, Al Nassr. Ultimately, Lionel declined this offer, opting instead to sign with Inter Miami, the MLS team co-owned by David Beckham.

Inter Miami

On June 7, 2023, news emerged that Messi was expected to sign with MLS’s Inter Miami, the franchise co-owned by David Beckham. Reports indicated that the contract would provide him with a salary of $1.03 million per week (totaling $54 million annually) for four years. Interestingly, Messi’s contract with Miami will also include a revenue-sharing component from subscriptions sold by Apple for its MLS Season Pass. It was later disclosed that Lionel’s contract with Inter Miami grants him an annual salary of $60 million and a 10% ownership stake in the team, which has been valued at up to $2 billion.

Adidas Endorsement

As one of the most recognized athletes globally, Messi has been backed by Adidas since 2006, becoming their principal brand ambassador. Initially affiliated with Nike at the age of 14, he later switched to Adidas. In 2008, Messi launched a long-standing signature line of Adidas footwear and was given his own sub-brand named Adidas Messi.

Visit Saudi Endorsement Deal

A contract leak in June 2023 revealed that back in January 2021, Lionel entered a three-year agreement potentially worth $25 million to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia. The contract stipulates the following requirements for Lionel:

  • #1) Vacation annually in Saudi Arabia, allowed to bring up to 20 friends, with all expenses covered, including travel and luxurious accommodations. The vacation must last at least five days.
  • #2) Produce ten approved social media posts per year promoting Saudi Arabia using government-sanctioned hashtags.
  • #3) Participate in an annual tourism advertising campaign. For the previous year, this involved appearing in a single promotional video for Visit Saudi.

Regarding #2 and #3, he earns $2 million for each obligation annually. Additionally, $2 million can be earned through involvement in “charitable work.”

Summing everything up, over three years, Lionel stands to gain $25 million for relatively minimal effort. However, there is one stipulation: As per the contract reviewed by the Times, Lionel “must not say anything that could ‘tarnish’ Saudi Arabia.”

Lionel Messi 2Lionel Messi 2

Francois Nel/Getty Images

Early Life

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi comes from a family with modest beginnings. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was employed as a steelworker, while his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, worked part-time as a cleaner. He shares a close bond with his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, along with a sister, Maria Sol; the family often spent time playing soccer with their cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom also pursued professional football careers. At just six years old, Messi joined the local soccer club, playing for Newell’s Old Boys.

Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of ten, Lionel faced a challenge when his father could no longer finance his medical care. Although Newell’s initially agreed to help, they later withdrew their commitment. Carles Rexach, the Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, stepped in, offering to cover Messi’s medical costs if he could relocate to Spain. With the consent of Lionel’s father, Rexach hastily created a contract on a paper napkin, prompting the family to move to Barcelona in February 2001. Settling into an apartment close to Camp Nou, the club’s stadium, Messi struggled with homesickness as his mother and siblings returned to Rosario while he remained in Barcelona with his father. After a year, he joined the Royal Spanish Football Federation and became a member of the esteemed “Baby Dream Team,” recognized as Barcelona’s most talented young soccer players.

Career

At just 17 years old, Lionel debuted in the league against RCD Espanyol, making him the third-youngest player in FC Barcelona’s history. Additionally, he became the youngest player ever to net a goal for the club. During the 2005-2006 season, Messi transitioned to being recognized as a first-team player, received his Spanish citizenship, and made his debut in the Spanish First Division league. In his inaugural match, after scoring alongside superstar Ronaldinho, he was met with a standing ovation. Out of his seventeen league appearances, he managed to score six goals, while he netted one goal in six Champions League matches. Remarkably, in 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in a FIFA World Cup.

The following season, 2006-2007, saw Messi sidelined due to a broken metatarsal that required three months of healing time. Upon his return as a second-half substitute against Racing Santander, he made a significant impact. In March of that season, he achieved a hat trick against Real Madrid, becoming the first player since Ivan Zamorano to accomplish this feat in El Clasico. As the 2007-2008 season progressed, Messi propelled Barcelona into the upper echelon of La Liga. He garnered a nomination for a FIFA Pro World XI Player Award as a forward and was recognized by Marca newspaper as the world’s best player. Other publications echoed this sentiment, suggesting Lionel deserved the Ballon d’Or. He ultimately clinched his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at the age of 22 and subsequently won three more consecutively. Additionally, Messi attained an Olympic Gold Medal during the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2012, he shattered La Liga and European records for the most goals scored in a single season, establishing himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. He then finished as the second-place contender for the Ballon d’Or in the next two seasons, trailing only his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2014, Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup finals, earning the Golden Ball award as well. Although he announced his retirement in 2016, he soon withdrew that decision, leading Argentina to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and securing a third-place finish at the 2019 Copa America. In 2019, Messi achieved a historic sixth Ballon d’Or.

2022 World Cup

On December 18, Lionel and his Argentina teammates triumphed over France in the final of the 2022 World Cup. Excluding penalty kicks, Lionel scored two goals in the match, which progressed to extra time and ultimately a shootout.

Getty ImagesGetty Images

Getty Images

Charity

The Leo Messi Foundation, established by Messi, aims to improve education and health care opportunities for underprivileged children. After visiting a children’s hospital in Boston in 2007—an experience that profoundly affected him—he initiated the charity. With support from Herbalife, his foundation contributes to the medical treatment, transportation, and recovery of children facing serious health issues. Since March 2010, Messi has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, completing a field mission to Haiti to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the nation’s children in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

In addition to his foundation’s work, Messi engages in personal fundraising events, including global football matches and supporting various charities. He provides financial assistance to multiple youth football clubs across Argentina, such as Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. Notably, in 2012, Messi funded the creation of a new gym and dormitory at his childhood club, Newell’s. His former coach from that club is now part of the Messi Foundation and serves as a talent scout for emerging players.

In March 2020, Messi contributed $1 million toward combating the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, he and his Barcelona Football Club teammates accepted a significant salary reduction of 70 percent during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure that no Barcelona employee would experience wage deductions amid the global emergency.

Personal Life

Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with Antonella Roccuzzo, who is also from Rosario. Their friendship dates back to when they were just five years old, and they publicly acknowledged their relationship in January 2009. The couple celebrated their marriage in Rosario in June 2007 and has three children: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018). Messi maintains a strong bond with his immediate family, particularly his mother, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder. He manages his professional career primarily as a family business, with his father serving as his agent since he was 14, while his older brother Rodrigo handles his public relations.

Real Estate

Messi purchased a house for $2 million in the Pedrables neighborhood of Barcelona in 2009. Following the acquisition, he invested millions into renovations and enhancements. Today, the property’s estimated value ranges from $7 to $10 million.

In November 2019, Lionel bought a condo in Miami for $5 million. Later, in April 2021, he acquired the full ninth floor of a different Miami building for $7.3 million.


Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Thank you for reading this article titled: Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Data is from 2023 and 2024, with forecast data extending to 2025 and 2026. We also provide expanded forecasting data for 2027 and 2028.

 



* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:

Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.

Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.

Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.

Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.


Post Title: Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 9, 2025

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