Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)


Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)
September 6, 2025

Understanding Lionel Messi’s Financial Status

Argentinian-born professional athlete Lionel Messi possesses a net worth estimated at $650 million. Lionel Messi is widely acknowledged as the premier soccer player globally and stands as one of the eminent figures in the sport’s history. He solidified his financial standing primarily during his tenure as a striker and winger for FC Barcelona, where he accumulated a record of 672 goals in 778 matches. Messi’s transition from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021 marked a significant career shift. Additionally representing the Argentina National Team, Messi achieved the milestone of winning the World Cup alongside his national team on December 18, 2022.

Lionel Messi secures his position as possibly the most financially rewarded soccer player globally and unquestionably as one of the markedly well-compensated athletes universally. In a monumental 2017 agreement with Barcelona, Messi attained an average base salary of $168 million yearly, supplemented by approximately $40 million annually from endorsements, cumulatively amounting to around $200 million per annum under the said contract.

Contrary to misleading claims, Lionel Messi has not amassed a billion-dollar fortune. The culmination of his earnings, inclusive of salary and endorsements, surpassed $1.3 billion by the conclusion of his Barcelona contract. As evidenced, Messi accrued approximately $900 million from salary and $400 million from lucrative endorsements. Some sources erroneously misrepresented this information, asserting Messi’s billionaire status.

Following Barcelona’s announcement on August 5, 2020, regarding their inability to renew Messi’s contract due to financial constraints, Lionel pursued offers from alternative clubs. Shortly thereafter, on August 10, 2021, Lionel finalized negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, securing an annual salary of $75 million with potential for a contract extension.

Reports indicated Messi’s willingness to accept a substantial pay reduction to remain with Barcelona, a proposition thwarted by league regulations. The proposed reduction would have exceeded the prescribed salary cap limit, hindering Messi’s continued association with the club. Consequently, Messi proceeded to announce his decision to join David Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami, on June 7, 2023, delving into a distinctive partnership involving revenue sharing from Apple’s streaming subscriptions during the MLS season.

Essential Insights
  • Messi’s Barcelona contract stipulated a $160 million annual salary
  • Endorsements contribute $40-60 million to his yearly income
  • Ranks as the highest compensated athlete globally
  • Annual earnings typically exceed $200 million
  • Total career earnings surpass $1.3 billion
  • Salaried earnings sum up to approximately $900 million
  • Endorsement earnings amount to around $400 million

Lionel Messi’s Salary and Contractual Engagements

During Messi’s peak with Barcelona, he emerged as the top-earning soccer player internationally. His 2017 contract with Barcelona featured a base salary of $168 million. Although contract specifics remained confidential for several years, revelations in January 2021 by the Spanish publication “El Mundo” unveiled the intricacies of Messi’s prior contract, disclosing an annual base salary of $44.68 million.

Upon transitioning to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, Messi entered into a two-year agreement netting $75 million annually pre-tax, approximately $40 million post-tax. Furthermore, Messi stands to gain additional bonuses based on performance milestones and a percentage of jersey sales under this contract.

Complementing his salary, Messi pockets an extra $40 million annually from endorsements, epitomized by his enduring deal with Adidas. Between June 2018 and June 2019, Messi amassed a remarkable $130 million from commercials and endorsements. Notably featured on the covers of video games such as “Pro Evolution Soccer 2009” and “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011,” Messi enjoys a prominent role as an ambassador for sports brands.

Groundbreaking $1 Billion Contract in Saudi Arabia

In May 2023, reports surfaced about Messi’s probable acceptance of a groundbreaking $1 billion contract with an undisclosed Saudi Pro League team, offering an astounding $400 MILLION annual salary.

Should this contract materialize, Messi’s annual income would nearly double the noteworthy 2.5-year, $535 million deal inked by Cristiano Ronaldo with the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr in December 2022.

Inter Miami Venture

Latest developments on June 7, 2023, indicated Messi’s intention to partner with Inter Miami of MLS, a franchise co-owned by David Beckham. Reports suggest a lucrative arrangement entailing a weekly salary of $1.03 million ($54 million annually) spanning four years. Intriguingly, Messi’s collaboration with Inter Miami aligns with a unique revenue-sharing model linked to Apple’s distribution of MLS Season Pass subscriptions.

Enduring Partnership with Adidas

Enjoying worldwide recognition, Messi holds a longstanding sponsorship deal with Adidas since 2006, positioning him as their prime brand ambassador. Initially associated with Nike at the age of 14, Messi subsequently switched allegiance to Adidas, leading to the establishment of his renowned signature collections such as the Adidas Messi line of football boots.

Visit Saudi Collaboration

Leaked details in June 2023 revealed Messi’s commitment through a three-year contract signed in January 2021, offering lucrative prospects to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia. Integral aspects of this contract necessitate Messi to engage in activities like:

#1) Embark on an annual vacation to Saudi Arabia, inclusive of expenses for 20 companions covering travel and luxurious accommodations, with a minimum duration of five days.

#2) Regularly craft ten social media updates annually endorsing Saudi Arabia utilizing specified hashtags approved by local authorities.

#3) Participate in an annual tourism promotional campaign, exemplified by appearing in promotional videos accentuating Saudi Arabia’s attractions.

Compensation for obligations #2 and #3 amounts to $2 million per requirement annually. Additional monetary incentives amounting to $2 million yearly are extended for charitable endeavors, contributing to refining Messi’s philanthropic imprint.

TotalEarn $25 million over three years for relatively little work, and Lionel can, but there is one condition according to the contract viewed by the Times: Lionel “cannot say anything that might ‘tarnish’ Saudi Arabia.”

Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Francois Nel/Getty Images

Early Life

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi was. A factory steelworker was his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, while his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, was a part-time cleaner. His two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, a sister, Maria Sol, and he are close, with whom the family would constantly play soccer together, along with their cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom went on to become professional footballers as well. At just six years old, Messi joined the Rosario soccer club and played for Newell’s Old Boys.

When Lionel was ten, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and his father could no longer afford medical treatment for him. Newell’s agreed to contribute but later took back their promise. The Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, Carles Rexach, offered to pay the medical bills if Messi could move to Spain. With Lionel’s father’s approval, Rexach drew up a contract on a paper napkin, and the family moved to Barcelona in February 2001. They moved into an apartment near Camp Nou, the club’s stadium. Messi suffered homesickness after his mother and siblings returned to Rosario while he stayed in Barcelona with his father. After a year, Messi was enrolled in the Royal Spanish Football Federation, where he became a part of the “Baby Dream Team,” Barcelona’s greatest collection of young soccer players.

Career

His league debut against RCD Espanyol at the age of 17, Lionel. The third-youngest person ever to play for FC Barcelona became he. At that time, he also was the youngest player ever to score for Barcelona. As a first-team member during the 2005-2006 season, Messi began being paid and also received Spanish citizenship. His debut in the Spanish First Division league was also made by him. A standing ovation during his first match after he scored alongside superstar Ronaldinho, Messi received. Out of his seventeen League appearances, he scored six goals. One goal he scored in six for the Champions League. In 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA World Cup.

After the World Cup, in the 2006-2007 season, Messi was injured with a broken metatarsal, which took three months to heal. Against Racing Santander, he was back in the game as a second-hand substitute. In March of that season, he scored a hat trick against Real Madrid, which made him the first player since Ivan Zamorano to do so in the El Clasico. Leading Barcelona into the top four of La Liga in the 2007-2008 season, Messi did. The nomination as a forward for a FIFA ProWorld XI Player Award, he won, and the Marca newspaper named him the best player in the world. Lionel should be awarded the Ballon d’Or, other newspapers followed and stated. At age 22, he finally won his first in 2009 and went on to win three more in a row each year. An Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics, he also obtained. In 2012, the La Liga and European records for most goals scored in a single season he set. This as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer sealed his fate. For the Ballon d’Or behind career rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, now the team captain for Barcelona, finished second in the next two seasons. To the finals of the World Cup, Messi led Argentina to in 2014, for which he also won the Golden Ball. His retirement in 2016 announced Lionel but reversed his decision and led Argentina to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At the 2019 Copa America, they also finished third. In 2019, a record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or Messi secured.

2022 World Cup

On December 18, Lionel and his Argentina teammates France in the 2022 World Cup final defeated. In the game, which went to over time and then a shootout, Lionel had two goals, not including penalty kicks.

Getty Images

Getty Images

Charity

The Leo Messi Foundation, which helps find better opportunities for underprivileged children regarding education and health care, is founded by Messi. Following a visit to a Boston children’s hospital, an experience that he has said deeply changed him, he started the charity in 2007. Due to major medical problems diagnosed children to pay for medical treatment, transportation, and recuperation helps his foundation, with the help of Herbalife. As well since March 2010, he is the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. To bring public awareness to the country’s children following the recent earthquake, he completed a field mission for UNICEF traveling to Haiti.

Global football matches and raising money for various charities such as to do individual fundraising activities, Lionel. Many youth football clubs in Argentina, such as Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Juniors, Messi financially supports. A new gym and dorm inside the club stadium in 2012, at his boyhood club, Newell’s, Messi funded the construction of. Employed by the Messi Foundation, his former coach there is and works as a talent scout for young players.

In March 2020, a $1 million donation made by Messi to help fight the spread of coronavirus he did. A 70 percent cut in their salaries during the COVID-19 emergency Lionel and his fellow Barcelona Football Club teammates took. They did this so that no Barcelona workers would have their wages docked during the global emergency.

Personal Life

With Antonella Roccuzzo, a fellow Rosario native, Messi has been since 2008. They have known each other since they were five years old. Publicly in January 2009, they confirmed their romance. Messi and Roccuzzo got married in Rosario in June 2007. Three children they have: Thiago (b. 2012), Matero (b. 2015), and Ciro (b. 2018). Very close to his immediate family members, especially his mother, Lionel is. His left shoulder he has her face tattooed on. Run as a family business mostly are his professional affairs, with his father having been his agent since Messi was 14. His publicity his older brother Rodrigo handles.

Real Estate

In a Barcelona neighborhood called Pedrables, for a home in 2009, Messi paid $2 million. He then spent millions on renovations and upgrades. Worth $7 – $10 million today, the home is estimated to be.

In Miami, a $5 million condo in November 2019, Lionel paid for. In a different building in Miami, the entire ninth floor he paid $7.3 million for in April 2021.

Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Data is from 2023 and 2024 and forecast data is for 2025 and 2026. We also expand the forecast data to 2027 and 2028.

 



* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:

Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.

Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.

Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.

Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.


Lionel Messi Net Worth (Money & Salary)