How Rich is Lionel Messi?

Introduction

Lionel Messi, often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, has redefined the sport with his extraordinary skills, consistency, and records. Beyond his legendary career on the pitch, Messi has built a financial empire, making him one of the richest athletes in the world. With over two decades in professional football, lucrative endorsements, and smart investments, Messi’s wealth has grown into astronomical figures by 2025.

This article dives deep into Messi’s earnings, contracts, endorsements, business ventures, and luxurious lifestyle to uncover just how rich he really is.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, his parents struggled to afford treatment. FC Barcelona offered to cover his medical expenses if he joined their famed La Masia academy.

Messi moved to Spain at age 13 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2004, he had debuted for Barcelona’s first team, starting a journey that would change the history of football—and his financial future.

Football Earnings: The Foundation of His Wealth

FC Barcelona Era (2004–2021)

Messi’s two-decade tenure at Barcelona was the cornerstone of his wealth. By the end of his time with the club, he had become their highest-paid player.

Final Barcelona Contract (2017–2021):
- Worth around €555 million over four years, making it the most lucrative contract in sports history.
- Annual salary, including bonuses: €138 million.

During his time at Barcelona, Messi earned over €1 billion in total salary and bonuses.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Contract (2021–2023)

After leaving Barcelona, Messi joined PSG, where he earned:

Annual Salary: Approximately €35–40 million.
Performance Bonuses and Image Rights: Added several million euros per year.

Inter Miami (2023–Present)

In 2023, Messi signed with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), reportedly on a historic deal:

Base Salary: Estimated at $20–25 million annually.
Profit-Sharing Agreements: Revenue from Apple TV streaming deals, Adidas partnerships, and a stake in the club’s future valuation.

Career Prize Money

Messi’s teams have won numerous domestic and international tournaments, adding millions in prize money throughout his career.

Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Endorsements are a major contributor to Messi’s fortune, often surpassing his club salaries.

Major Partnerships:

Adidas: Lifetime deal, reportedly worth $1 billion.
Pepsi, Gatorade, Budweiser, Lay’s, and Ooredoo.
Byju’s: Global education brand endorsement.
Hard Rock Café: Global brand ambassador.

Earnings from Endorsements:

Messi earns around $50–60 million annually from endorsements alone.

His association with Adidas remains his most lucrative deal, making him one of the top-paid athletes in endorsement history.

Business Ventures and Investments

Messi has diversified his income with strategic business ventures.

1. MiM Hotels

Messi owns the MiM Hotels chain, with luxury properties in Ibiza, Mallorca, Sitges, and other tourist hotspots. Estimated worth: $200 million.

2. Messi Store

His personal clothing and merchandise line, the Messi Store, generates millions annually, appealing to his global fan base.

3. Real Estate Investments

Messi owns properties in:

Barcelona: Lavish homes worth $20–30 million.
Rosario, Argentina: His hometown, where he has luxury estates.
Miami: A multi-million-dollar waterfront apartment.

4. Startups and Equity

Messi has invested in tech startups, sports companies, and football academies worldwide, adding long-term growth to his wealth.

Social Media Influence

Messi’s global popularity extends to social media, where he is among the most-followed people on Instagram, with over 480 million followers.

Earnings per Instagram Post: Estimated at $1.2–1.5 million.
Annual earnings from sponsored content: $10–15 million.

Luxury Lifestyle

Residences

Messi lives in multi-million-dollar homes equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including private gyms, pools, and sprawling gardens.

Car Collection

Messi owns an enviable fleet of luxury cars, including:

Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti (worth $35 million)
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Audi Q7
Pagani Zonda Tricolore
Range Rover Vogue

Yachts and Private Jets

Private Yacht: Valued at $10 million.
Private Jet: Gulfstream V, worth $15 million, frequently used for travel with his family.

Philanthropy

Messi is known for his generous contributions through the Leo Messi Foundation, supporting healthcare, education, and sports development for underprivileged children.

Donated millions to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds youth football academies and charity projects worldwide.

Net Worth Breakdown (2025)

Annual Income Estimate:

Club Salary and Bonuses (Inter Miami): $20–25 million
Endorsements: $50–60 million
Business Ventures (Hotels, Messi Store, etc.): $25–30 million
Social Media and Other Earnings: $10–15 million
Investments and Real Estate: $20 million annually in returns

Total Estimated Net Worth:

As of 2025, Lionel Messi’s net worth is approximately $600–650 million (₹5,000–5,400 crores), placing him among the wealthiest athletes globally.

Comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and Other Athletes

Cristiano Ronaldo: Estimated net worth of $700–750 million.
Neymar Jr.: Around $250 million.
Lionel Messi: $600–650 million, consistently ranking in the top 3 richest athletes in the world.

Messi’s wealth continues to grow due to his sustained popularity, strategic business ventures, and post-football opportunities.

Future Outlook

Messi’s wealth is expected to rise in the coming years, driven by:

Expansion of MiM Hotels and other businesses.
Continued revenue from endorsements and social media.
Potential ownership stakes in sports franchises.
Long-term earnings from his lifetime Adidas deal.

Given his brand power, Messi could become the first footballer billionaire by the early 2030s.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario battling health challenges to one of the richest athletes in the world is nothing short of remarkable. With an estimated net worth of $600–650 million in 2025, Messi’s wealth stems from football contracts, endorsements, businesses, and strategic investments.

Despite his immense riches, Messi remains known for his humility, philanthropy, and devotion to family. His legacy as both a footballing legend and a global brand ensures that his financial empire will continue to flourish for decades.

How rich is Messi?