What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth?

Lionel Messi is an international sports icon and on a very short list of the most famous soccer players in the world — not to mention the most wealthy.

Messi, an Argentine superstar, made the bulk of his riches with Barcelona in 17 seasons.

He opted to move on to Paris Saint Germain in 2021 and played two seasons there before moving his career to the United States in 2023 when he joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS)

With the decision, he opened brand-new streams of income potential and pulled in a huge new following. He’s been at or near the top of “richest athletes” lists for several years, and was ranked second on the 2023 Forbes list.

Lionel Messi net worth

Messi’s net worth is reported to be around $600 million, according to several accounts.

Salary and career earnings

Lionel Messi’s net worth, according to Forbes?estimates, is approximately $600 million with career earnings approaching $1.3 billion in 2023.

With all of Messi’s business dealings having no officially reported earnings, though, there could be as much as a $200 million swing either way.

Lionel Messi at Barcelona

The biggest financial boost in Messi’s career came from Barcelona, the club Messi played at for 17 seasons, who agreed to a financially irresponsible offer with Messi in 2017.

With that economic stimulus, Messi was first on Forbes’ 2019 list of highest-earning athletes ($127 million).

Regarding the contract with Barcelona: The Athletic references a Spanish media outlet, El Mundo, as reporting that 2017 Barcelona deal included a signing bonus of just over $122 million.

But there’s more.

Along with what was called a loyalty bonus of about $83 million came his playing salary of almost $80 million.

The Athletic report also said Messi made additional income via team and player accomplishments and personal appearances.

Messi’s Inter Miami Contract

His Inter Miami contract is unusual, not only because it’s supposedly worth around $150 million over two years, but because of what it promises him in future…

The contract includes an option to buy a stake in the club, and, even more groundbreaking, a share of the Apple TV profits via new subscriptions. Apple TV carries the MLS broadcasts.

Though that seems like a lot of money and power for a club to give up, all the best MLS betting sites make Miami favorites to win the title this season. With Messi in the lineup, you wouldn’t want to bet against it.

Messi’s Endorsements & Other Sources of Income

Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022 – the first for the soccer-mad country since 1986 – elevating an earnings portfolio into the lofty levels he’s continued to build.

He is reported to have earned $130 million ($65 million on the field; $65 million in off-the-field money) in 2022 and 2023. That number was good enough to be No. 1 on the 2022 Forbes list of highest paid athletes, and No. 2 (behind only Cristiano Ronaldo) on the 2023 list.

Over the years, stories about Messi often included anonymous quotes from teammates and people who worked closely with him saying how money-driven the soccer star has become.

He certainly has grown his wealth exponentially with his endorsements and other income sources, and, whether or not that is a negative trait is open to debate.

Messi’s endorsements include deals with Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe, Mastercard, Adidas, several crypto companies, Donami, Louis Vuitton and Pepsi.

Business Ventures

Messi’s economic engine is now fueled additionally by his own clothing line. (The “Messi Store” opened in Barcelona in 2019.)

His Adidas contract is a lifetime agreement signed in 2017.

In March 2022, Messi teamed with Socios, an app that emphasizes fan interaction. That agreement is reportedly worth $20 million each year.

Messi also is involved with crypto businesses including Ethernity Chain, BitGet, Sorare and Leafty.

Leo Messi Burger launch

It’s not the most lucrative, but it’s probably the tastiest of items under the Messi brand.

The Hard Rock 2022 partnership is reported to include a Messi-specific guitar and a menu item: The Messi Burger, with two-patties, provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion and Hard Rock’s spicy, smoky sauce.

The eatery stepped up its Messi game by announcing a few months later the “Messi Burger – Champions Edition,” which comes with dipping sauces aioli, Latin chili and Messi’s favorite, chimichurri.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi is a mega-corporation that seemingly prints money, year after year. As his career winds down, he has ensured there will be shortage of income in the years ahead.

Messi turns 37 in June 2024 but looks to have at least a couple of years’ worth of MLS employment in Miami and is due to?help Argentina defend an international trophy in the summer. The latest Copa America odds available suggest they are the team to beat and it’s hard to argue with that given many say Messi is the greatest player in history.

He’s certainly one of the richest.