When it comes to the world’s richest athletes, one name consistently dominates the conversation: Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has built a financial empire that rivals his legendary football career. But exactly how much is Lionel Messi net worth according to Forbes? Let’s dive deep into the fortune of arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
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What is Lionel Messi Net Worth in 2025?
Lionel Messi net worth stands at an impressive $850 million, positioning him among the wealthiest athletes on the planet. His total career earnings have surpassed $1.6 billion by 2025, making him one of only a handful of athletes to cross the billion-dollar threshold in career earnings.
The Argentinian superstar’s wealth comes from multiple revenue streams, including his Inter Miami salary, massive endorsement deals, business ventures, real estate investments, and unique equity arrangements. Unlike many athletes whose fortunes peak during their playing years, Messi has strategically positioned himself for continued wealth accumulation well into retirement.
Lionel Messi’s Annual Earnings: Breaking Down the Numbers
Forbes 2025 Rankings
Forbes ranked Messi 5th among the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2025, with $135 million in annual income. This total breaks down into two main categories:
On-Field Earnings: $60 million from football activities
Off-Field Income: $75 million from endorsements and business ventures
This represents a slight shift in his earnings profile compared to 2024, when his on-field income was slightly higher. The decrease in playing salary is offset by increased endorsement revenue, showcasing Messi’s growing commercial appeal even as he enters the twilight of his playing career.
How Does Messi Compare to Other Top Athletes?
While Messi ranks 5th on Forbes’ list, it’s worth noting who else makes the cut. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with an estimated $260 million in annual earnings, largely due to his lucrative Saudi Pro League contract with Al Nassr. Other athletes in the top tier include golfer Jon Rahm, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The competition between Messi and Ronaldo extends beyond the pitch to their bank accounts. Both players have earned over $1 billion throughout their careers, though Ronaldo currently edges ahead in annual earnings thanks to his Saudi Arabia payday.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Salary and Contract Details
When Messi shocked the football world by choosing Inter Miami over a return to Barcelona or a move to Saudi Arabia, many wondered about the financial details. The reality? It’s one of the most innovative sports contracts in history.
The Base Salary
Messi is Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player with a total guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million, which includes a base salary of $12 million. His contract runs through December 31, 2025, making this potentially his final season in professional football.
Breaking down his weekly earnings, Messi earns approximately $230,769 per week from his base Inter Miami salary alone. When you add bonuses and additional compensation, the numbers climb even higher.
The Total Package Value
The complete value of Messi’s two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami totals $150 million. But there’s more to this deal than just salary.
The contract includes several unique elements:
Apple TV Revenue Share: Messi receives a percentage of revenue from Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions. This innovative arrangement means Messi directly benefits from the increased viewership his presence brings to Major League Soccer.
Adidas Partnership: As part of the Inter Miami deal, Messi continues his long-standing relationship with Adidas, receiving additional compensation through this partnership.
Equity Stake: Perhaps most significantly, Messi will receive equity in Inter Miami upon his retirement. Inter Miami was valued at $585 million in 2024, but could reach $1 billion once Miami Freedom Park opens in 2025. This equity arrangement could prove to be the most valuable component of his contract in the long run.
How Messi’s MLS Salary Compares
Messi’s $20.4 million compensation exceeds the entire team salary budget of all but three MLS teams. To put this in perspective, some MLS clubs operate with total player budgets smaller than what Inter Miami pays their single star player.
This unprecedented investment has paid off for Inter Miami. The team has seen massive increases in merchandise sales, ticket revenue, and global brand recognition. Messi’s arrival transformed Inter Miami from a struggling expansion franchise into one of the most talked-about clubs in world football.
Lionel Messi’s Endorsement Deals and Sponsorships
While Messi’s playing salary is impressive, his off-field earnings tell an even more remarkable story. His endorsement portfolio reads like a who’s who of global brands.
Major Brand Partnerships
- Adidas (Lifetime Deal) Messi’s relationship with Adidas is his most lucrative sponsorship. He signed a lifetime deal with the German sportswear giant, similar to what LeBron James has with Nike. The exact figures remain confidential, but industry experts estimate it generates $25-30 million annually. Messi has his own signature line of boots and apparel, and Adidas built entire marketing campaigns around the Argentine maestro.
Apple (MLS Partnership) Beyond the revenue-sharing arrangement through Inter Miami, Messi serves as a global ambassador for Apple TV’s sports content. This partnership combines direct payment with performance-based incentives tied to MLS Season Pass subscriber growth.
Hard Rock International Following his move to Miami, Messi partnered with Hard Rock for regional marketing campaigns. The partnership includes appearances, promotional events, and integration into Hard Rock’s sports betting platform in markets where legal.
Pepsi A long-time Pepsi ambassador, Messi has appeared in numerous global campaigns alongside other sports and entertainment icons. His Pepsi relationship dates back to his Barcelona days and continues to generate substantial annual income.
Mastercard Messi’s Mastercard partnership focuses on financial literacy and youth development programs, combining commercial appeal with social responsibility.
Budweiser The beer giant featured Messi prominently during the 2022 World Cup campaign and continues to use his image in global marketing efforts.
Other Partnerships Include:
- Konami (eFootball video game series)
- Lowe’s (home improvement, US market focus)
- Gillette
- Turkish Airlines
- Huawei
- Royal Caribbean
Total Endorsement Value
Industry analysts estimate Messi’s endorsement portfolio generates between $70-80 million annually. This off-field income actually exceeds his playing salary, a testament to his global brand power. With 629 million Instagram followers, Messi commands one of the largest social media audiences in sports, making him incredibly valuable to brands seeking worldwide exposure.
Lionel Messi’s Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond football and endorsements, Messi has diversified his wealth through strategic business investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
The Messi Brand
Messi owns several businesses operating under his personal brand:
- The Messi Store: An online and physical retail operation selling Messi-branded merchandise, apparel, and accessories. The stores operate independently from his Adidas partnership, giving Messi additional revenue streams.
- Messi Experience Park: A theme park concept in China bearing his name, though development has faced delays due to various factors.
Real Estate Portfolio
Messi has invested heavily in real estate across multiple countries:
- Miami Mansion: Messi owns a stunning $11 million mansion in Miami, purchased shortly before joining Inter Miami. The waterfront property features a private dock, pool, spa, and 360-degree views of Biscayne Bay.
- Barcelona Properties: Despite leaving Barcelona, Messi maintains significant real estate holdings in Catalonia, including his primary family residence in the exclusive Castelldefels area.
- Rosario, Argentina: Messi owns properties in his hometown, including the house where he grew up, which he’s converted into a museum.
- Ibiza Villa: A vacation property on the Spanish island serves as a family retreat during off-seasons.
- Paris Apartment: From his PSG days, Messi maintains a luxury apartment in the French capital.
The total value of Messi’s real estate portfolio is estimated at $50-70 million, providing both personal enjoyment and long-term investment appreciation.
Hotel and Hospitality Investments
Messi partnered with Spanish hotel group Majestic Hotel Group to create the “MiM Hotel” chain (Messi in Motion). Properties operate in:
- Ibiza, Spain
- Mallorca, Spain
- Barcelona, Spain
- Sitges, Spain
These boutique hotels combine luxury accommodation with sports-themed experiences, targeting both Messi fans and general travelers.
Tech and Startup Investments
While less publicized than his other ventures, Messi has invested in several technology companies:
- Sports tech startups focusing on performance analytics
- Fan engagement platforms
- Latin American fintech companies
- Video gaming and esports ventures
Career Earnings Timeline: From Barcelona to Miami
Understanding Messi’s net worth requires looking at his entire career trajectory.
Barcelona Era (2004-2021)
Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona, with his final contracts being among the most lucrative in sports history. At his peak, Messi earned approximately $168 million annually from Barcelona, including salary, bonuses, and loyalty payments.
Career Barcelona Earnings: Estimated $875 million total from the club, including all salary, signing bonuses, loyalty payments, and performance incentives.
His final Barcelona contract, which he couldn’t complete due to the club’s financial crisis, would have paid him $674 million over four years – one of the largest contracts in sports history.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023)
After an emotional Barcelona departure, Messi joined PSG on a two-year deal worth approximately $75 million per season, totaling around $150 million for his Paris stint.
While the French chapter didn’t match his Barcelona glory, it added substantially to his wealth and maintained his status as one of football’s highest earners during a transitional period.
Inter Miami (2023-Present)
As detailed earlier, Messi’s Miami contract represents a $150 million commitment over 2.5 years, with unique revenue-sharing and equity components that could prove even more valuable than the guaranteed salary.
Total Career Club Earnings
Adding up his earnings from Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami, plus early career salaries, Messi has earned approximately $1.1 billion from club football alone.
National Team Contributions
While Argentina doesn’t pay players salaries in the traditional sense, national team duty generates significant income for Messi through appearance fees, tournament bonuses, and commercial rights.
World Cup 2022 Bonus
Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 came with substantial financial rewards. While exact figures remain private, reports suggest Messi received around $10-15 million in bonuses from the Argentine Football Association and sponsors related to the World Cup triumph.
Copa América Success
Messi’s Copa América victories (2021, 2024) also came with bonus payments and increased endorsement values, as brands capitalized on his national team success.
Tax Considerations and Take-Home Pay
It’s important to note that net worth and gross earnings differ significantly due to taxes. Messi has faced tax challenges in the past, including a conviction in Spain that was later resolved. Today, he employs top-tier financial advisors to ensure compliance across multiple tax jurisdictions.
- US Tax Implications: Living in Florida provides some advantages, as the state has no personal income tax. However, Messi still pays federal income tax on US earnings at rates up to 37%.
- International Tax Complexity: With endorsement income from dozens of countries and business interests spanning continents, Messi’s tax situation is extraordinarily complex. Conservative estimates suggest his effective tax rate consumes 35-45% of annual gross income.
- Actual Take-Home: Of his reported $135 million in annual earnings, Messi likely takes home approximately $70-90 million after taxes, depending on how various income streams are structured and where they’re generated.
Charitable Work and Philanthropy
Wealth often comes with responsibility, and Messi takes his philanthropic role seriously through the Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007.
The Leo Messi Foundation
The foundation focuses on:
- Healthcare access for vulnerable children
- Education programs in Argentina and worldwide
- Sports accessibility for underprivileged youth
- Supporting children with medical needs
Financial Commitment: While Messi doesn’t publicly disclose donation amounts, reports indicate he contributes millions annually to his foundation and other charitable causes.
UNICEF Ambassador
Messi has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, donating both money and time to the organization’s child welfare programs globally.
Hospital Donations
Messi has made significant donations to children’s hospitals in Barcelona and Argentina, funding medical equipment, treatment programs, and facility improvements.
Future Earnings Potential
At 38 years old, Messi’s playing career is winding down, but his earning potential remains enormous.
Post-Retirement Opportunities
- Inter Miami Ownership: The equity stake in Inter Miami could be worth $100-200 million when Messi eventually retires, especially if the club’s valuation continues rising.
- Ambassadorial Roles: Expect Messi to remain a global ambassador for brands like Adidas, potentially in similar arrangements to other retired sports legends.
- Broadcasting and Media: Messi could transition into football punditry, analysis, or documentary work, commanding premium rates given his global appeal.
- Coaching or Management: While Messi hasn’t expressed strong interest in coaching, if he pursues this path, top clubs would offer substantial salaries.
Path to Billionaire Status
Messi is closing in on $1 billion net worth, and several factors could push him over that threshold:
- Appreciation of his Inter Miami equity
- Continued endorsement income post-retirement
- Growth of his business ventures
- Smart investment returns
- Real estate appreciation
Conservative projections suggest Messi could reach billionaire status within 3-5 years, joining an exclusive club of athlete billionaires including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and his rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi vs Ronaldo: The Wealth Comparison
No discussion of Messi’s finances would be complete without addressing his eternal rival. The Messi vs Ronaldo debate extends far beyond trophies and goals to their bank accounts.
Current Net Worth:
- Ronaldo: Approximately $600 million (though some estimates go higher)
- Messi: $850 million
Annual Earnings:
- Ronaldo: $260 million (tops Forbes 2024/2025 list)
- Messi: $135 million (5th on Forbes list)
Career Earnings:
- Ronaldo: Estimated $1.8 billion
- Messi: Estimated $1.6 billion
While Ronaldo currently earns more annually due to his Saudi contract, Messi’s higher net worth suggests better wealth retention and investment returns. Both players will likely reach billionaire status, though they’ve taken different paths to accumulate their fortunes.
The key difference: Ronaldo has pursued maximum salary at every opportunity, while Messi has balanced competitive football with strategic positioning for long-term wealth through equity stakes and business ventures.
Do you wanna know Cristiano Ronaldo Fortune & Net Worth then you can read our this post.
Investment Strategy and Wealth Management
What sets Messi apart from many high-earning athletes is his approach to wealth management.
Financial Advisory Team
Messi employs a sophisticated team including:
- Wealth managers who handle investments and asset allocation
- Tax specialists navigating multiple jurisdictions
- Business managers overseeing commercial ventures
- Legal advisors protecting his brand and contracts
Diversification Approach
Rather than keeping wealth in cash or single investments, Messi’s strategy emphasizes diversification:
- Real Estate: 20-25% of portfolio
- Business Ventures: 15-20% of portfolio
- Stock Market and Index Funds: 30-35% of portfolio
- Cash and Liquid Assets: 10-15% of portfolio
- Alternative Investments: 10-15% of portfolio (art, luxury items, etc.)
This balanced approach protects against market volatility while allowing for growth across different asset classes.
The Brand Value Beyond Numbers
Messi’s worth extends beyond dollars and cents. His brand value – the intangible asset of his name, image, and reputation – is independently estimated at $150-200 million. This brand value determines:
- Endorsement deal sizes
- Social media partnership rates
- Appearance fees
- Licensing opportunities
With 629 million Instagram followers, each Messi post has tremendous marketing value. Sponsored social media posts from Messi command $1-2 million per post, among the highest rates in sports.
Legacy and Long-Term Financial Security
Messi became the second footballer and team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings, cementing his status not just as a football legend but as a business success story.
Generational Wealth
Messi’s financial success ensures security for multiple generations of his family. His three sons – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro – will inherit not just wealth but established businesses and brands.
Comparison to Other Sports Legends
Among retired athletes, Messi’s financial trajectory mirrors:
- Michael Jordan: Leveraged playing career into business empire, now worth $3 billion
- David Beckham: Used football fame to build business empire, now worth $500 million
- Magic Johnson: Transformed basketball success into business investments, worth $1.2 billion
If Messi follows similar post-retirement paths, his net worth could triple or quadruple over the next two decades.
What Messi’s Wealth Means for Football
Messi’s financial success represents a broader shift in football economics. Modern superstars command salaries and endorsements that dwarf previous generations, reflecting:
- Globalization of football as entertainment product
- Social media amplifying athlete marketing power
- Innovative contract structures with equity components
- Growing crossover between sports and entertainment industries
Inter Miami’s willingness to offer Messi equity stake could become a blueprint for future superstar signings, as clubs recognize that traditional salary alone may not compete with mega-offers from oil-rich leagues.
Final Thoughts: The Complete Financial Picture
Lionel Messi’s $850 million net worth tells the story of an athlete who maximized every advantage – on the field and in the boardroom. From his early days at Barcelona’s La Masia academy to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest athletes, Messi’s financial journey parallels his footballing evolution.
Key takeaways about Messi’s wealth:
- Diverse Income Streams: Messi doesn’t rely on salary alone, with endorsements actually exceeding playing income
- Strategic Career Choices: The Inter Miami move prioritized long-term wealth building over maximum short-term salary
- Global Brand Power: With nearly 630 million social media followers, Messi’s reach extends far beyond football fans
- Smart Investments: Real estate, businesses, and equity stakes provide passive income and long-term growth
- Billionaire Trajectory: On pace to join the exclusive club of sports billionaires within 3-5 years
Whether he’s breaking records on the pitch or building wealth off it, Messi continues to operate at a level few athletes ever reach. His financial success provides a blueprint for current and future athletes seeking to transform sporting excellence into lasting wealth.
As Messi’s playing days wind down, his financial empire is just hitting its stride. The kid from Rosario who overcame growth hormone deficiency to become football’s GOAT has also mastered the business game, ensuring his legacy extends far beyond trophies and goals into genuine financial dynasty.
