Lionel Messi: A Legend On And Off The Field

How Much Is Lionel Messi Worth?

Let’s talk about Lionel Messi, the Argentinian soccer sensation who has built a net worth of $850 million. If you're a fan of football, you already know that Messi is often celebrated as the best soccer player in the world and one of the greatest in history. But what makes his story so extraordinary is not just his talent but also his financial success. For years, Messi has been one of the highest-paid athletes globally. He spent the bulk of his career with Barcelona, where he scored an astonishing 672 goals in 778 games. In 2021, he made a move to Paris Saint-Germain, and later in 2023, he joined David Beckham's Inter Miami, which added a whole new chapter to his story. Oh, and let’s not forget that moment in December 2022 when Messi and the Argentina National Team lifted the World Cup trophy.

When we talk about Messi's earnings, we're talking big numbers. His jaw-dropping 2017 contract with Barcelona paid him an average base annual salary of $168 million. On top of that, he earns about $70 million per year from endorsements, pushing his total annual income to around $200 million. Now, here’s where things get interesting. In June 2023, Messi announced a unique deal with Inter Miami. Under this agreement, he’ll earn a base salary of $60 million and also gain a 10% ownership stake in the team, which could be worth $200 million or more by the time he retires.

Now, here’s something important to clear up: Lionel Messi is not a billionaire—at least not yet. Some lower-quality sources have mistakenly labeled him as such, but here’s the truth. Over his career, Messi has earned around $1.2 billion in salary and another $400 million from endorsements. That’s an incredible amount, but it doesn’t quite make him a billionaire just yet.

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Messi's Contracts and Salaries

When Lionel Messi was playing for Barcelona, he was easily the highest-paid soccer player in the world. Back in 2017, he signed a contract that paid him a staggering base salary of $168 million per year. This contract was shrouded in secrecy for years, but in January 2021, the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" leaked the details. Under a previous contract, his annual base salary was around $44.68 million.

In August 2021, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain, signing a two-year deal that paid him about $75 million per year before taxes, roughly $40 million after taxes. But that’s not all. His contract also included bonuses based on milestones and a share of jersey sales. On top of his salary, Messi earns an additional $70 million every year from endorsements, including a lifetime deal with Adidas.

The $1 Billion Saudi Contract That Wasn’t

Back in May 2023, rumors swirled about a $1 billion contract offer from a Saudi Pro League team. The deal would have paid Messi a mind-blowing $400 million per season. For context, that’s nearly double the $535 million deal Cristiano Ronaldo accepted from Al Nassr in December 2022. However, Messi ultimately turned down the Saudi offer and instead chose to sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Inter Miami: A New Chapter

On June 7, 2023, it was announced that Messi would be joining Inter Miami, the MLS team co-owned by David Beckham. The deal pays him a salary of $1.03 million per week, which translates to $54 million per year, over four years. But here’s the twist: Messi’s contract includes a revenue share from Apple’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions and gives him a 10% stake in the team, valued at up to $2 billion. That means his ownership stake alone could be worth $200 million or more by the time his contract ends.

Adidas: A Lifelong Partnership

As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Messi has been sponsored by Adidas since 2006. Initially, he was with Nike at the age of 14 but later switched to Adidas. In 2008, Messi launched his signature collection of Adidas boots and even got his own sub-brand, called Adidas Messi. This partnership has been a cornerstone of his career and a major contributor to his endorsement earnings.

The Visit Saudi Endorsement Deal

In June 2023, details emerged about a three-year contract Messi signed in January 2021 to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia. Under this deal, Messi can earn up to $25 million. Here’s what he needs to do: take an annual vacation to Saudi Arabia (with up to 20 friends, all expenses paid), make ten social media posts per year promoting the country, and participate in an annual tourism ad campaign. For these obligations, he earns $2 million per year. There’s also an option to earn another $2 million per year for charitable work. However, there’s a catch: Messi cannot say anything that might tarnish Saudi Arabia’s image.

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Messi's Early Years

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, worked in a steel factory, and his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, was a part-time cleaner. Growing up, Messi was close to his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and his sister, Maria Sol. The family played soccer together, often joined by their cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, who also became professional footballers. Messi joined the Rosario soccer club at the age of six and quickly made a name for himself with Newell’s Old Boys.

At ten, Messi faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His father struggled to afford the medical treatment, and Newell’s, the club he played for, initially agreed to help but later backed out. Enter Carles Rexach, the Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, who offered to pay for Messi’s treatment if the family moved to Spain. With his father’s blessing, Messi signed a contract—written on a napkin—and the family relocated to Barcelona in February 2001. Despite feeling homesick when his family returned to Rosario, Messi thrived in Barcelona and became part of the "Baby Dream Team," a group of young soccer prodigies.

A Career Full of Achievements

Messi’s career took off when he made his league debut at 17 against RCD Espanyol, becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for FC Barcelona. He was also the youngest player at the time to score for the club. During the 2005-2006 season, Messi became a first-team member and earned his Spanish citizenship. He made his debut in the Spanish First Division league and received a standing ovation after scoring alongside superstar Ronaldinho. That season, he scored six goals in 17 league appearances and one in six Champions League games.

In 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA World Cup. After the World Cup, during the 2006-2007 season, he suffered a broken metatarsal that kept him out for three months. But he returned strong, scoring a hat-trick against Real Madrid in El Clásico, a feat not seen since Ivan Zamorano. In the 2007-2008 season, Messi led Barcelona into the top four of La Liga and earned nominations for prestigious awards. He won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at the age of 22 and went on to win it three more times consecutively. He also won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics and set records for most goals in a single season in La Liga and Europe in 2012. Despite finishing second for the Ballon d’Or in 2013 and 2014 to rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi led Argentina to the World Cup finals in 2014 and won the Golden Ball. In 2019, he secured a record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or.

The 2022 World Cup Triumph

On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates defeated France in the World Cup final. Messi scored two goals in the game, which went into overtime and a shootout. This victory solidified Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history.

Messi's Charitable Work

Messi is more than just a soccer player; he’s also a philanthropist. In 2007, he founded the Leo Messi Foundation to provide better opportunities for underprivileged children in education and healthcare. Inspired by a visit to a Boston children’s hospital, Messi has dedicated himself to helping children with major medical issues. His foundation, in partnership with Herbalife, pays for medical treatment, transportation, and recuperation for children in need. Since March 2010, Messi has been a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, traveling to Haiti to raise awareness about the plight of children after the earthquake.

Beyond his foundation, Messi engages in individual fundraising activities, such as global football matches, and supports various charities. He financially backs many youth football clubs in Argentina, including Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Junior. In 2012, he funded the construction of a gym and dorm at his boyhood club, Newell’s. His former coach there now works for the Messi Foundation as a talent scout. During the pandemic, Messi donated $1 million and took a 70% pay cut to ensure Barcelona workers wouldn’t lose their wages.

Life Beyond Soccer

Lionel Messi has been in a relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo since 2008. They’ve known each other since they were five years old and publicly confirmed their romance in January 2009. The couple married in Rosario in June 2007 and have three children: Thiago (born in 2012), Mateo (born in 2015), and Ciro (born in 2018). Messi remains close to his family, especially his mother, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder. His father manages his professional affairs, and his brother Rodrigo handles publicity.

Messi's Real Estate Ventures

In 2009, Messi purchased a home in the Pedrables neighborhood of Barcelona for $2 million. Over the years, he invested millions in renovations, and the property is now estimated to be worth between $7 and $10 million. In November 2