For years, Lionel Messi earned millions playing for Barcelona, where he spent more than a decade as one of the club’s biggest stars, before making a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain in France in 2021.
Today, he is reportedly a billionaire, a milestone that came after his decision to move to the United States and join MLS side Inter Miami.
The story behind Messi’s rise to billionaire status has now been detailed in a report including insights into the vast sums he earned through club contracts and the lucrative endorsement deals that steadily increased his wealth over the years.
Lionel Messi First Made Forbes’ List In 2008
After being scouted at Newell’s Old Boys by FC Barcelona, Messi was brought to the club at just 13 years old.
While the details of that early agreement remain unclear, his talent was enough to convince Barcelona to pay for his growth hormone treatments for years. The club’s investment soon paid off, as Messi made his senior-team debut in 2004 at just 17.
However, it would take four more years before his earnings were significant enough to earn him a place on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid soccer players.
At the time, he was estimated to have earned $11.9 million, ranking 18th on the list.
His wealth continued to grow through further contract extensions with Barcelona. During the 2017–18 season, Messi reportedly earned a $177 million payday, making him the club’s highest-paid player at the time.
Messi’s Playing Contracts Built His Fortune
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal reportedly worth $48.4 million after taxes, including bonuses and a substantial signing bonus.
Two years later, he moved to Inter Miami, where he has since spent three seasons.
His guaranteed on-field compensation for this year is estimated at $28.3 million, while he reportedly made $70 million on the field last season.
Overall, Messi has now earned an estimated $1.2 billion from his playing contracts before taxes and agents’ fees.
That figure has been surpassed only by Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, who previously played for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus before joining the Saudi club.
Lionel Messi’s Brand Deals Have Also Paid Off
Adding to Messi’s earnings over the years is the vast income he has generated through endorsements, memorabilia sales, and various business ventures.
He currently has a lifetime partnership with the German sportswear giant Adidas, as well as endorsement deals with brands such as Mastercard, Michelob Ultra, and Lay’s.
His move to Miami has also reportedly boosted his income through revenue-sharing agreements with Major League Soccer partners Adidas and Apple TV.
Altogether, Messi’s off-field earnings are estimated to have surpassed $600 million.
Combined with his salary, bonuses, and prize money throughout his career, his total career earnings are believed to have reached around $1.8 billion.
Lionel Messi’s Investment Portfolio Keeps Growing
Even after he finally hangs up his boots, Messi’s wealth is expected to continue growing.
Over the years, he has built a substantial investment portfolio that includes stakes in Argentine restaurant El Club de la Milanesa, MiM Hotels, and football clubs Deportivo LSM of Uruguay and UE Cornellà of Spain.
In addition, Messi reportedly has the option to acquire an equity stake in Inter Miami after his playing career ends.
The club is currently valued at approximately $1.35 billion, more than double its valuation before Messi’s arrival.
When Will Messi Retire?
For those who have watched Lionel Messi throughout his career, it has always been clear that the day would eventually come when he would have to say goodbye to the sport.
That moment remains uncertain for now, especially after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a contract extension with The Miami in 2025 that is expected to keep him at the club for several more years.
Regardless, Messi has indicated that the decision to retire will ultimately depend on a personal benchmark. “The moment when I see I’m not fit enough, struggling on the pitch and not enjoying it, it will be time to call it quits,” Messi told Spanish newspaper Diario Sport last year. “But right now, I’m enjoying it, I feel good, and that’s where things stand.”
The How Lionel Messi Built His Billion-Dollar Fortune first appeared on The Blast
