Lionel Messi Net Worth 2025 – $850M Soccer Icon’s Earnings

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine soccer player, has established himself as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. With an estimated net worth approaching $850 million in 2025, Messi’s financial empire spans across football contracts, lucrative endorsements, and strategic business ventures that have transformed him from a young Barcelona prodigy into a global icon.

Lionel Messi Net Worth, Age, Height, Wife, Career & Personal Details 2025

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine soccer player, has established himself as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. With an estimated net worth approaching $850 million in 2025, Messi’s financial empire spans across football contracts, lucrative endorsements, and strategic business ventures that have transformed him from a young Barcelona prodigy into a global icon.

What Is Lionel Messi’s Current Net Worth in 2025?

Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $650 million to $850 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth and various financial publications. This staggering figure places him among the elite tier of billionaire athletes, trailing only slightly behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the football world.

Messi’s net worth has been accumulated through multiple revenue streams over his illustrious career. The Argentine maestro has earned approximately $1.2 billion in salary and endorsements throughout his professional career, making him one of the best soccer players financially as well as athletically.

The majority of Messi’s wealth comes from his football contracts, with his current Inter Miami contract being a game-changer in Major League Soccer. Additionally, his long-term partnership with Adidas and various business ventures have contributed significantly to his high net worth status.

How Much Does Lionel Messi Earn from His Salary and Contracts?

Messi’s current earning structure is complex and multifaceted, extending far beyond a traditional football salary. His Inter Miami contract represents one of the most innovative deals in sports history, combining guaranteed payments with revenue-sharing opportunities.

Inter Miami Contract Details

When Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, he signed a deal reportedly worth $75 million per year in total compensation. However, this figure includes more than just his base salary. The Miami contract pays Messi through various revenue streams:

• Guaranteed base salary of approximately $60 million annually
• Ownership stake in Inter Miami that could be worth hundreds of millions
• Revenue sharing from Apple TV’s MLS streaming deal
• Profit sharing from Adidas MLS merchandise sales

This innovative structure means Messi earns not just from playing, but from the league’s overall growth and success.

Did Lionel Messi Really Reject a $1 Billion Saudi Contract?

Yes, Messi famously turned down a $1 billion offer from a Saudi Pro League team in 2023. The Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal reportedly offered him a contract worth over $1.6 billion over two years, which would have made him the highest-paid athlete in history.

Despite the astronomical offer, Messi chose to join Inter Miami instead, prioritizing lifestyle, family considerations, and long-term business opportunities over immediate financial gain. This decision highlighted Messi’s strategic thinking about his post-playing career and his desire to expand football’s reach in America.

The Saudi offer would have surpassed even Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract, but Messi’s rejection showed that sometimes factors beyond money influence superstar decisions.

How Has Inter Miami Transformed Messi’s Career?

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked a revolutionary moment in Major League Soccer. The Argentine superstar’s arrival in Fort Lauderdale created unprecedented global attention for MLS and American soccer.

Impact on MLS and American Soccer

Since Messi joined the Florida-based club, ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and television viewership have skyrocketed. His presence has elevated MLS’s profile internationally, with games now broadcast to millions of new viewers worldwide.

Messi’s ownership stake in Inter Miami is particularly significant, as it could be worth hundreds of millions as MLS continues to grow. This equity position demonstrates Messi’s belief in American soccer’s potential and his commitment to the league’s long-term success.

Performance and Achievements

On the field, Messi has delivered immediate results, helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players despite being in the twilight of his career.

What Is Messi’s Adidas Endorsement Deal Worth?

Messi’s partnership with Adidas represents one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history. The deal with Adidas is reportedly worth over $1 billion lifetime, making it one of the highest-value athlete endorsements ever negotiated.

Adidas Partnership Details

The Adidas endorsement includes:

• Annual guaranteed payments of approximately $25-30 million
• Royalty payments from Messi-branded merchandise
• Signature shoe line and apparel collections
• Global marketing campaign partnerships

This lifetime deal ensures Messi continues earning from Adidas even after retirement, similar to basketball legend Michael Jordan’s relationship with Nike.

What Other Major Endorsement Deals Does Messi Have?

Beyond Adidas, Messi has secured several high-profile endorsement deals that contribute significantly to his annual earnings:

Visit Saudi Endorsement Deal

Messi signed a controversial Visit Saudi endorsement deal worth approximately $25 million annually to promote Saudi Arabia’s tourism initiatives. This partnership has drawn criticism but represents a significant revenue stream for the Argentine star.

Other Major Partnerships

Messi’s endorsement portfolio includes deals with:

• Mastercard (global payment solutions)
• Pepsi (beverage partnership)
• Budweiser (official beer sponsor)
• Hard Rock (casino and entertainment)

These partnerships collectively add tens of millions to Messi’s annual income, demonstrating his global marketability and appeal.

What Was Lionel Messi’s Early Life Like?

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi’s early life was marked by both extraordinary talent and significant challenges. Growing up in a middle-class family, Messi displayed exceptional football skills from a very young age.

Growth Hormone Challenges

Messi’s most significant early challenge was a growth hormone deficiency diagnosed when he was 11 years old. The treatment was expensive, and his local club Newell’s Old Boys couldn’t afford it. This led to FC Barcelona offering to pay for his treatment in exchange for joining their youth academy.

Move to Barcelona

In 2000, at age 13, Messi moved to Barcelona, Spain, leaving his family behind to pursue his football dreams. This sacrifice would prove pivotal in shaping the player who would become one of the greatest of all time.

How Did Messi Build His Professional Career?

Messi’s professional career began at FC Barcelona, where he would spend the majority of his playing years and establish himself as one of the best soccer players in history.

Barcelona Era (2004-2021)

Messi made his Barcelona debut in 2004 and spent 17 years with the Catalan club. During this period, he:

• Won 10 La Liga titles
• Claimed 4 Champions League trophies
• Earned 7 Ballon d’Or awards while at Barcelona
• Scored 672 goals in 778 appearances

His Barcelona years established him as a global superstar and generated the majority of his career earnings through salary and endorsements.

PSG Chapter (2021-2023)

In August 2021, Messi shocked the football world by joining Paris Saint-Germain after Barcelona’s financial difficulties made contract renewal impossible. At PSG, he earned approximately $110 million over two seasons while adapting to a new league and style of play.

Inter Miami Era (2023-Present)

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked the beginning of his American adventure and potentially his final chapter as a professional player.

How Did the 2022 World Cup Impact Messi’s Legacy?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar represented the pinnacle of Messi’s career and significantly boosted his global profile and earning potential. Argentina’s victory in the tournament was largely attributed to Messi’s inspired performances throughout the competition.

World Cup Performance

Messi scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists during the tournament, earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. His performances, particularly in the final against France, are considered among the greatest individual displays in World Cup history.

Financial Impact

The World Cup victory increased Messi’s marketability exponentially. Endorsement deals became more lucrative, and his global appeal reached new heights, contributing to his ability to command premium contracts and partnerships.

What Are Messi’s Charitable Activities?

Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007 to support disadvantaged children through education and sports programs. The foundation focuses on:

Foundation Activities

• Providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children
• Supporting youth sports programs in Argentina and globally
• Funding medical treatments for children with serious illnesses
• Building sports facilities in underserved communities

Messi’s charitable work demonstrates his commitment to giving back to society and using his platform for positive social impact.

What Is Known About Messi’s Personal Life?

Messi married his childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo in 2017 in a lavish ceremony in Rosario, Argentina. The couple has three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

Family Life

The Messi family maintains a relatively private lifestyle despite their global fame. Antonela has become a successful influencer and businesswoman in her own right, often supporting Messi’s career moves and business ventures.

Lifestyle and Interests

Beyond football, Messi is known for his love of cars, including his Pagani Zonda Tricolore and other luxury vehicles. He maintains homes in multiple countries and enjoys spending time with family when not playing or training.

How Extensive Is Messi’s Real Estate Portfolio?

Messi owns an impressive real estate portfolio spanning multiple continents. His properties include:

Primary Residences

• $50 million watterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale, purchased after joining Inter Miami
• Luxury penthouse in Paris from his PSG days
• Family home in Rosario, Argentina
• Barcelona property from his time at the club

Investment Properties

Messi also owns several investment properties that have appreciated significantly in value. His property in September 2023 purchase in Miami represents his largest real estate investment and demonstrates his commitment to his new American life.

What Are Messi’s Business Ventures Beyond Football?

Messi has diversified his income through various business ventures that extend his earning potential beyond his playing career:

The Messi Store

Messi launched the The Messi Store, an online retail platform selling branded merchandise and lifestyle products. This venture capitalizes on his global brand recognition and provides ongoing revenue streams.

Investment Portfolio

Messi makes strategic investments in various sectors, including:

• Technology startups
• Real estate developments
• Sports-related businesses
• Entertainment ventures

These investments demonstrate Messi’s business acumen and his preparation for post-football financial security.

Conclusion: The Making of a Soccer Legend’s Fortune

Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy with growth hormone deficiency to one of the world’s wealthiest athletes represents an extraordinary success story. His net worth in 2025 reflects not just his footballing genius but also his strategic business decisions and global appeal.

As Messi continues his career with Inter Miami and expands his business empire, his wealth is expected to grow even further. The combination of his ownership stake in Inter Miami, lifetime Adidas deal, and various business ventures ensures his financial success will continue long after he retires from professional football.

Messi’s legacy extends beyond trophies and records to include his transformation of Major League Soccer and his role in globalizing American football. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs worldwide, demonstrating how talent, dedication, and smart business decisions can create generational wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Messi’s age currently?

Lionel Messi age is 38 years old as of 2025. Born on June 24, 1987, the Argentina player Messi continues to perform at the highest level despite being in the later stages of his career.

Who does Messi play for currently?

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. The Argentina player joined the American club in July 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

What is Messi’s highest salary ever?

Messi’s highest salary comes from his current Inter Miami contract, earning approximately $75 million per year including base salary, ownership stake, and revenue sharing – making him one of the highest paid athletes.

Who is richer, Messi or Ronaldo?

Ronaldo is currently richer with a net worth of $1+ billion compared to Messi’s $850 million. However, both are among the highest paid athletes globally and the gap continues to narrow.

Is Messi a billionaire?

Messi is not yet a billionaire but is approaching that milestone. His current net worth of $850 million, combined with his Inter Miami ownership stake and Adidas lifetime deal, could push him past the $1 billion mark soon.

What is Lionel Messi’s height?

Lionel Messi height is 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches), making him one of the shorter elite football players. Despite his height, Messi has proven that skill and technique can overcome physical limitations.

How old was Messi when he started his football career?

Messi football age when he started professionally was 17 years old when he made his Barcelona debut in 2004. However, he joined Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13 in 2000.