Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, has not only captivated millions of fans with his extraordinary skills but also built an impressive fortune. With a net worth surpassing $850 million in 2024, Messi’s wealth is a result of his long and successful career, smart business investments, and lucrative endorsement deals.
Over the years, Messi’s career trajectory has seen him play for elite clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Inter Miami, with each move contributing significantly to his earnings. But what exactly constitutes Messi’s vast fortune?
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into Lionel Messi’s net worth, uncovering how his salary, business investments, sponsorships, real estate holdings, and more have led him to become one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Key Points:
- Lionel Messi has a net worth of around $850 million in 2024.
- His career earnings exceed $1.6 billion, with additional income from endorsements.
- Messi’s wealth comes from football contracts, investments, and major sponsorships.
How Did Lionel Messi Build His Net Worth?
Lionel Messi’s net worth did not come from a single source of income. His wealth is the result of his long football career, various endorsement deals, real estate investments, and other ventures. Over the years, Messi’s salary has continued to rise as he became more influential in the world of football. Let’s break down how Messi’s net worth has evolved over time.
Career Earnings and Football Contracts
Messi’s football salary has been one of the major contributors to his wealth. His first contract with FC Barcelona, signed when he was just a teenager, began his journey to becoming the highest-paid footballer in the world. His most significant contract came in 2017, when Barcelona extended Messi’s deal for an annual salary of €70 million. This deal not only paid Messi a huge salary but also included a significant amount from image rights and performance-based incentives.
In 2021, Messi left Barcelona due to the club’s financial difficulties and signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year contract worth $75 million per year. His contract with PSG also included performance bonuses and additional benefits, which allowed his earnings to continue to rise. But perhaps the most lucrative move came in 2023 when Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His contract at Inter Miami, which reportedly includes a base salary of $60 million annually, is supplemented with revenue-sharing deals from Apple and Adidas. Additionally, Messi was given a 10% ownership stake in the team, which could potentially be worth up to $200 million at the end of his contract.
Table 1: Messi’s Football Earnings Overview
| Year | Club | Annual Salary | Additional Earnings |
| 2017-2021 | FC Barcelona | $168 million | Image rights, bonuses |
| 2021-2023 | Paris Saint-Germain | $75 million | Bonuses, image rights |
| 2023-Present | Inter Miami | $60 million | Revenue share, ownership stake |
Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
In addition to his football contracts, Messi’s endorsement deals have contributed significantly to his wealth. Messi has a long-standing partnership with Adidas, which has been his main sponsor since 2006. His lifetime deal with Adidas is estimated to be worth over $20 million annually. Messi also has endorsement deals with other high-profile brands, including Pepsi, Budweiser, and Huawei, which add another $40–$60 million to his yearly income. These endorsement deals, coupled with his football salary, have allowed Messi to consistently rank among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Note: Messi’s endorsements are key to his ability to earn additional wealth outside of football contracts.
In 2021, it was revealed that Messi signed a $25 million deal with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism. This deal requires him to post on social media, participate in tourism campaigns, and take annual trips to Saudi Arabia, where he is paid for his promotional activities.
Table 2: Key Endorsement Deals for Messi
| Brand | Annual Earnings | Details |
| Adidas | $20 million+ | Lifetime deal, Messi’s signature footwear |
| Pepsi | $10 million | Global ambassador for Pepsi’s campaigns |
| Budweiser | $5 million | Endorsement for Budweiser’s global campaigns |
| Huawei | $4 million | Deal for tech products endorsements |
| Saudi Tourism | $25 million (3 years) | Promoting Saudi tourism through social media |
Real Estate and Investments
Outside of football and endorsements, Messi’s investments in real estate have helped him grow his fortune. His real estate portfolio includes several properties in both Spain and the United States. Messi’s most notable properties include his multi-million-dollar home in Barcelona, as well as two luxurious properties in Miami, where he currently resides. He also purchased a luxury apartment in 2019 for $5 million and later added a $7.3 million penthouse in 2021.
Messi’s investment strategy is not just about properties. He has also invested in various businesses, including in the hospitality industry, and he is a co-owner of the Spanish soccer team, Girona FC. These investments help diversify his income streams and ensure his wealth continues to grow long after he retires from football.
Charitable Contributions
Messi’s charitable work also adds to his legacy. The Leo Messi Foundation, which he founded in 2007, has been instrumental in providing healthcare and educational support to underprivileged children around the world. Messi has also partnered with UNICEF, where he serves as a goodwill ambassador, helping raise awareness for children’s rights and well-being.
In 2020, Messi made a $1 million donation to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also funded medical research and youth football development in Argentina, making sure to give back to the community that helped shape his career.
Note: Messi’s charitable contributions reflect his commitment to using his wealth for positive change.
What’s Next for Lionel Messi’s Financial Future?
As Messi’s football career continues, his financial future is secure. While it is uncertain how much longer he will play, it is clear that his various investments, endorsement deals, and business ventures will keep him financially stable for the rest of his life. Given his 10% ownership stake in Inter Miami, Messi stands to gain a significant amount of wealth once his contract ends.
Messi is also likely to continue his partnerships with major brands like Adidas and Pepsi, even after his playing days are over. This ongoing income stream will ensure that Messi remains one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s net worth of $850 million in 2024 is the result of years of hard work, smart investments, and business savvy. From his record-breaking football contracts to his lucrative endorsement deals and real estate investments, Messi’s wealth continues to grow.
As he embarks on his new journey in MLS with Inter Miami, Messi is set to leave a lasting legacy in both football and business. His story is a testament to how talent, perseverance, and strategic investments can lead to success far beyond the football pitch.
FAQ’s
1. How much is Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2024?
Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be around $850 million in 2024.
2. What is Lionel Messi’s salary at Inter Miami?
Messi earns an annual salary of $60 million at Inter Miami, supplemented by a 10% ownership stake in the team.
3. How much does Messi earn from endorsements?
Messi makes approximately $70 million per year from endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser.
4. Did Messi ever reject a billion-dollar contract?
Yes, Messi rejected a $1 billion offer from a Saudi Pro League team in 2023 and chose to join Inter Miami instead.
5. What is the Leo Messi Foundation?
The Leo Messi Foundation, established by Messi in 2007, focuses on providing healthcare and educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
