Lionel Messi Net Worth

What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth? A Deep Dive into the Soccer Icon’s Wealth

Lionel Messi, a name synonymous with footballing greatness, has not only captivated audiences with his extraordinary talent but has also amassed a substantial fortune. This article delves into Lionel Messi’s net worth, exploring his career earnings, lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and other ventures that have contributed to his financial success.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. From a young age, his prodigious talent with a football was evident. He began playing for Newell’s Old Boys, a local club, before facing a significant hurdle. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. This condition required expensive medical treatment, which his family struggled to afford. However, fate intervened when Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, offered to cover Messi’s medical expenses in exchange for him joining the club. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Messi’s journey to global stardom.

In February 2001, Messi and his family moved to Barcelona. Despite initial difficulties adjusting to a new country and culture, Messi’s dedication and skill shone through. He quickly progressed through Barcelona’s youth ranks, showcasing his exceptional dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring abilities. At 17, he made his league debut for FC Barcelona, becoming the third-youngest player in the club’s history. This was just the start of a record-breaking career.

FC Barcelona Years: Building a Dynasty

Lionel Messi’s time at FC Barcelona is often considered the golden era of his career. From his debut in 2004 until 2021, he was the cornerstone of the team’s success. During this period, Messi scored an astonishing 672 goals in 778 games, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer by a considerable margin. He led Barcelona to numerous titles, including:

• 10 La Liga titles
• 4 UEFA Champions League titles
• 7 Copa del Rey titles
• 8 Spanish Super Cups
• 3 FIFA Club World Cups
• 3 UEFA Super Cups

Messi’s performances earned him numerous individual awards, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing him as the best player in the world. His contract with Barcelona was one of the most lucrative in sports, with his 2017 contract reportedly giving him an average annual salary of $168 million, plus substantial earnings from endorsements. While exact figures were kept secret for some time, leaks revealed the staggering value of these deals.

However, in August 2021, due to Barcelona’s financial constraints and league regulations, Messi was unable to re-sign with the club he had called home for so long. This marked a significant turning point in his career, leading him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Paris Saint-Germain: A New Chapter

Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year contract. While his time in Paris didn’t reach the same heights as his Barcelona tenure, it was still a significant move. His initial contract with PSG was reported to be worth $75 million per year before taxes, approximately $40 million after taxes, with additional bonuses based on performance and jersey sales. While at PSG, Messi won two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophee des Champions.

His time in Paris also exposed him to new fans and markets, further boosting his global brand and earning potential.

Inter Miami: The American Adventure

In a surprising move, in June 2023, Messi announced he would be joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS). This decision sent shockwaves through the football world, as it marked his first foray into North American soccer. His contract with Inter Miami is unique and potentially very lucrative. While the base salary is reported to be $1.03 million per week ($54 million a year), the deal includes a revenue share from subscriptions to Apple’s MLS Season Pass. This innovative approach allows Messi to benefit directly from the league’s growing popularity and the expanding viewership of MLS games.

Endorsements and Other Revenue Streams

Beyond his club contracts, Lionel Messi has built a substantial fortune through endorsements. His popularity and global recognition have made him a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Some of his major endorsement deals include:

• Adidas: Messi has a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas, his primary sponsor since 2006. He even has his own sub-brand of boots, the Adidas Messi.
• PepsiCo: Messi has had a long-standing partnership with PepsiCo, appearing in numerous commercials and promotional campaigns.
• Other Brands: He has also partnered with brands such as Gatorade, Turkish Airlines, and Hard Rock International.

These endorsement deals contribute tens of millions of dollars to his annual income. Furthermore, Messi’s image and likeness are used in various video games, including the