Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in the history of the sport. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s exceptional talent was evident from a young age. He joined FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at 13, overcoming early challenges related to growth hormone deficiency. Over his two-decade career with Barcelona, Messi became the club’s all-time top scorer and won numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies and La Liga championships. In 2021, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before transitioning to Inter Miami in 2023. Messi’s remarkable skill, vision, and playmaking ability have earned him several Ballon d’Or awards, further solidifying his legendary status. Internationally, Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his legacy as a football icon.
Lionel Messi Net Worth 2024
As of 2024, Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be around $650 million, placing him among the wealthiest athletes in the world. His financial success comes primarily from his illustrious football career, with lucrative contracts at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami. His earnings at Barcelona alone exceeded $1 billion, and his current contract at Inter Miami is worth $54 million annually. In addition to his football earnings, Messi generates significant revenue from endorsements with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade, which bring in around $65 million per year. His ventures in real estate, business, and investments in digital assets further add to his fortune.
Football Salaries and Earnings
Messi’s primary source of income throughout his career has been his football contracts. Over 17 seasons with FC Barcelona, he earned an unprecedented amount from salaries and bonuses. According to reports, Messi’s total earnings during his time at Barcelona exceeded $1.15 billion, with $672 million coming from salaries and $385 million from bonuses.
One of Messi’s most lucrative contracts came in 2017 when he signed a four-year deal with Barcelona worth over $168 million annually. This contract made Messi the highest-paid football player globally and positioned him as one of the highest-earning athletes in the history of sports. However, following Barcelona’s financial difficulties, Messi made a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. At PSG, Messi’s two-year contract reportedly earned him around $75 million per year.
In 2023, Messi made another significant move, this time to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His contract with the American club is reported to be worth $54 million annually, over a 3.5-year period. Additionally, Messi benefits from revenue-sharing deals, such as one with Apple, where he gets a cut from the sales of MLS Season Pass subscriptions.
Cumulatively, Messi’s football salaries and bonuses have contributed over $700 million to his overall net worth, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest footballers ever.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Off the field, Messi has built a significant portion of his fortune through endorsements. His most notable deal is his lifetime partnership with Adidas, which began in 2006. The precise financial details of this deal are not public, but it is estimated to bring in tens of millions of dollars annually. Adidas has launched several lines of Messi-branded products, including football boots and apparel, contributing significantly to Messi’s income.
In addition to Adidas, Messi has signed deals with a number of global brands over the years. These include Pepsi, Gatorade, Mastercard, Lay’s Chips, and Konami, among others. He has also been the face of Gillette and Turkish Airlines in the past, further expanding his endorsement portfolio. Forbes estimated that Messi’s sponsorship earnings amounted to $65 million in 2022 alone.
Messi’s long-standing appeal to brands is a testament to his global influence and marketability. With over $400 million earned through endorsements, Messi’s off-field ventures play a vital role in his financial success.
Business Ventures and Investments
In addition to football and endorsements, Messi has successfully ventured into the world of business and investments. One of his most significant business moves has been his investment in real estate. Messi owns luxury properties around the globe, including homes in Barcelona, Rosario, Miami, and a villa in Mallorca. His real estate portfolio is estimated to be worth over $20 million.
Beyond real estate, Messi has also ventured into hospitality with his investment in MiM Hotels, a chain of lifestyle hotels catering to young travelers. The hotel chain is strategically located near cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Miami, places where Messi has played during his career.
Additionally, Messi entered the digital asset space, investing in cryptocurrencies and NFTs. His collaboration with Socios.com to release exclusive NFTs and fan tokens was a notable success, with his first NFT drop selling for over $1.1 million. Messi has also ventured into the fashion industry with The Messi Store, which sells branded sportswear and other merchandise. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the store is expanding internationally, with plans for additional locations in China.
Charitable Contributions
Despite his wealth, Messi is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his Leo Messi Foundation. Established over 15 years ago, the foundation focuses on providing healthcare and education for vulnerable children in Argentina, Spain, and other parts of the world. Messi has made significant donations, including €1 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to hospitals in Barcelona and Argentina.
In addition, Messi serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, where he advocates for children’s rights and contributes to various charitable campaigns. His foundation has raised over $10 million to support causes ranging from medical research to youth sports training programs.