Lionel Messi Net Worth: How Rich Is the Football Legend?

In the world of sports, Lionel Messi stands as a timeless beacon of inspiration. Though he’s a footballer by profession, his influence goes far beyond the pitch. Admired by fans, athletes, and celebrities alike, Messi’s rise from Rosario’s dusty fields to the pinnacle of global football is the stuff of legends. With eight Ballon d’Ors and a FIFA World Cup title under his belt, he has repeatedly proven why he’s one of the most decorated athletes in history. But Messi isn’t just a celebrated icon; he’s also one of the wealthiest sports figures alive. According to Forbes, he earned a staggering $130 million between May 2022 and May 2023 alone, securing his spot on the highest-paid athletes list, where he’s been a fixture since 2014. 

Today, the Inter Miami star boasts a net worth exceeding $650 million, living a life as elite as his career. Let’s dive deeper into Lionel Messi’s net worth and explore just how rich the soccer legend truly is. Let’s explore Lionel Messi’s Net Worth and understand how rich this football legend is.

Lionel Messi Net Worth

1. From Rosario to Barcelona

Born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi showed remarkable football ability at a young age. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, his future seemed uncertain until FC Barcelona stepped in, offering to cover his medical treatment and bring him to Spain. By the age of 13, he had joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. With relentless determination and extraordinary skill, Messi rapidly climbed the ranks, making his senior debut in 2004. His signature dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring flair turned him into a global phenomenon, evolving from a quiet prodigy into one of football’s most feared and respected legends.

2. Earning records, Title, and Paychecks

Messi’s remarkable 17-year career at FC Barcelona was nothing short of legendary. He scored a record-breaking 672 goals for the club, winning 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and securing seven Ballon d’Or awards during his time there. But Messi’s value wasn’t just measured in trophies. A leaked 2017 contract revealed a base salary of $168 million annually, plus substantial loyalty and performance bonuses, pushing his total yearly earnings close to $200 million. These staggering numbers placed him consistently among the world’s highest-paid athletes, cementing his financial stature as firmly as his football legacy.

3. Stint in PSG & Inter-Miami

After parting ways with Barcelona in 2021, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he reportedly earned around $75 million per year before taxes. His stint in France may have been short, but it kept him among the top-paid athletes globally. In 2023, Messi made headlines again by joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The deal wasn’t just about salary, estimated at $50–60 million annually, but also included revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV, Adidas, and even the possibility of club ownership. This move blended sports and business, solidifying Messi’s brand in North America while expanding his already massive financial empire.

4. Brand Endorsements & Business Empire

Off the pitch, Lionel Messi has built a powerhouse brand. He has reportedly had a lifelong Adidas contract for $25 million a year since 2006. His endorsement portfolio includes major names like Pepsi, Lay’s, Budweiser, Mastercard, Jacob & Co., and Saudi Tourism, collectively bringing in tens of millions more each year. Messi’s business ventures extend into fashion with The Messi Store, hospitality with MIM Hotels in Ibiza and Mallorca, and tech, through a lucrative Socios fan token deal worth about $20 million per year. His real estate investments and recently launched Spanish companies round out a diversified and billion-dollar business empire.

5. The Messi Brand & Its Importance

Beyond his astonishing goals and glittering trophy cabinet, what truly sets Lionel Messi apart is his unparalleled global marketability. With over 477 million Instagram followers, he commands a staggering $1.7 million per sponsored post, making him one of the most influential athletes on social media. His brand presence is just massive. His move to Inter Miami led to a 100 million+ spike in Apple TV’s MLS subscriptions and record-smashing jersey sales. This rare blend of sporting legacy, humility, and business acumen firmly secures Messi’s place not just as a football legend but as a powerhouse in wealth creation.

6. Philanthropic interests

Messi’s legacy goes far beyond fame and fortune. In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation, dedicated to improving access to healthcare, education, and sports for underprivileged children in Argentina, Spain, and worldwide. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Messi has championed numerous humanitarian efforts, including funding medical treatments, building youth programs, and supporting global relief initiatives. Notably, he donated €1 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to hospitals in Spain and Argentina. His commitment to social good mirrors the humility and compassion he’s known for.

Progressing towards an eventful future

That was an eventful summary of Lionel Messi’s Net Worth and how he became rich. Despite being in his late 30s, Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations and age.  He demonstrated his unwavering talent in 2024 by leading Argentina to yet another Copa América championship and putting up outstanding performances for Inter Miami. His current contract extends through 2025, with options to continue. With career earnings surpassing $1.5 billion and a personal net worth estimated between $650–850 million, Messi stands among the wealthiest athletes ever. His true legacy isn’t just his fortune, his unwavering excellence, humility, and his commitment to using global influence to inspire and uplift others, both on and off the field.