Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has not only made a name for himself on the field but has also amassed substantial wealth through his career and endorsements. This article explores the detailed insights into Lionel Messi’s earnings, his net worth, and the historical context of his financial journey.
Lionel Messi’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be $650 million. Messi is often regarded as the best soccer player globally and one of the highest-paid athletes in history. His significant earnings come from his professional soccer career and lucrative endorsement deals.
Career Earnings and Contracts
FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals in 778 games. His time at Barcelona saw him earning substantial sums, especially with his contract signed in 2017, which provided him an average base annual salary of $168 million. This contract made him the highest-paid soccer player in the world at the time.
Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2021, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after Barcelona announced it could not afford to re-sign him due to financial constraints. His initial contract with PSG was a two-year deal, paying him $75 million per year before taxes. With taxes considered, his earnings were approximately $40 million per year.
Inter Miami
On June 7, 2023, Messi announced his move to Inter Miami, an MLS team co-owned by David Beckham. This deal includes a unique revenue-sharing agreement with Apple for their MLS Season Pass, supplementing his salary of $54 million per year over four years.
Saudi Pro League Offer
In May 2023, reports surfaced that an unnamed Saudi Pro League team was prepared to offer Messi a staggering $1 billion contract. This deal would have paid him $400 million per season, making it the largest contract in sports history. However, Messi chose to join Inter Miami instead.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Adidas
Messi has been sponsored by Adidas since 2006, having originally signed with Nike at age 14 before switching. He has a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas and has his own sub-brand of boots called Adidas Messi. His endorsement with Adidas alone brings in substantial annual income.
Other Endorsements
In addition to Adidas, Messi earns around $40 million per year from endorsements. His notable deals include:
Pepsi
Gatorade
Huawei
Gillette
Turkish Airlines
Visit Saudi Deal
In January 2021, Messi signed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism, potentially earning him $25 million. The deal includes annual vacations to Saudi Arabia, social media posts, and participation in tourism ad campaigns.
Historical Context and Impact
Lionel Messi’s career earnings and net worth reflect his impact on and off the field. He has consistently been one of the top earners in sports, with a career trajectory that showcases both his athletic prowess and business acumen.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi showed exceptional talent from a young age. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at ten, his family struggled to afford his medical treatment. FC Barcelona offered to cover his medical expenses if he moved to Spain, leading to his eventual rise as a soccer prodigy.
Professional Achievements
Major Titles: Messi has won numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, and 7 Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona.
Individual Awards: He has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, recognizing him as the best player in the world.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Family
Messi has been with Antonella Roccuzzo, a fellow Rosario native, since 2008. The couple married in 2017 and has three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Messi remains close to his family, with his father managing his career since he was 14.
Real Estate Holdings
Messi owns several properties, including:
Barcelona Home: Purchased for $2 million in 2009, with extensive renovations making it worth $7-$10 million today.
Miami Condos: In November 2019, he bought a condo for $5 million and later paid $7.3 million for an entire floor in another building in Miami.
Philanthropy
Messi is dedicated to philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation, which he founded in 2007. The foundation focuses on providing healthcare and educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Messi is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, participating in various campaigns and field missions.
COVID-19 Efforts
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi donated $1 million to help fight the virus and took a 70% salary cut along with his Barcelona teammates to ensure the club’s employees were paid in full.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s financial journey is a testament to his unparalleled talent, strategic business decisions, and enduring popularity. From his significant earnings with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to his endorsements and unique contract with Inter Miami, Messi has built an impressive empire. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and success, making him not only a soccer legend but also a formidable business mogul.
