Messi Net Worth: Can He Become a Billionaire Soon?

Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest football players of all time, has consistently been among the highest-earning athletes in the world.  He was ranked the second highest-paid athlete globally, trailing only his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi rakes in an impressive $130 million in revenue (estimated for the whole 2023 year), putting him in an exclusive bracket of sporting superstars.
The Argentine maestro's earnings are split down the middle, with half of his income, around $65 million, coming directly from his salary. The other half is sourced from various lucrative endorsement deals, underlining Messi's status as a football icon and a global brand.
Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 reportedly included a significant pay raise from his Barcelona days, and the French club's offer was substantial enough to ensure that Messi maintained his spot among the highest earners in sport. His endorsements, including deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and others, have played a vital role in boosting his income and maintaining his high net worth.
As of 2023, Messi's net worth is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars in the ballpark. His journey from a young boy in Rosario, Argentina, to a global icon is a testament to his unmatchable skill on the pitch and his commercial appeal.
With his consistent high income, the question arises: Could Lionel Messi become a billionaire? Given his enduring popularity and the sustained demand for endorsements, it is possible. While the milestone has yet to be within immediate reach, it's certainly not out of the question. Messi's financial future, much like his career, will be one to watch.

Inter Miami Deal - Sooner rather than Later?

The Argentine football wizard Lionel Messi may have turned down a mammoth $440 million deal from the Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal, but he didn't settle for less when he chose the Magic City. Drawn to the familiarity of Miami - a place where he owns property and to which his family is no stranger - Messi opted to trade the splendor of Paris for the sun-kissed Florida coast.
His move to Inter Miami sees him signing a deal that elevates him to the highest echelons of US sports, boasting a remarkable pre-tax salary of $54 million. This figure far surpasses the salaries of other major athletes in the United States, marking Messi as the highest-paid US athlete.
While life at Inter Miami may differ greatly from his Parisian days - the club currently suffers from the lowest average attendance in MLS, and their PNK Stadium can house only a modest 19,100 people - Messi's deal ensures his financial status remains untouched.
The $54 million deal is a new high in the MLS, dwarfing the previous record held by Xherdan Shaqiri of the Chicago Fire, who earned $8,153,000. By signing Messi, Inter Miami has not only acquired a legendary talent, but they've also made a powerful statement in the world of football - a testament to their ambitions and a clear signal of their determination to rise within the ranks of MLS.

Team equity – a hidden fact that could make the $1B happen?

Lionel Messi's seismic shift to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami is not just another move in his illustrious career. It is an agreement that could help the Argentine soccer maestro inch closer to becoming a billionaire. The deal, estimated to be worth up to $150 million over two and a half years, involves much more than his salary. It includes endorsements from MLS partners Adidas and Apple, a signing bonus, and a rather unique element: equity in the team.
This groundbreaking arrangement, that puts Messi in the same financial bracket as the NBA and NFL's top earners, catapults his career earnings to an estimated $1.6 billion by the end of 2025. This total, which encompasses playing salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, ranks among the top five in the history of sports.
While two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic earns $55 million a year on average, and 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson sits at $52 million, Messi's Miami deal falls within this same range, earning him between $50 million and $60 million annually. But where Messi's deal sets a precedent is in the equity component. Messi is expected to exercise his ownership stake in Inter Miami after his playing days conclude, an option unavailable to players in other leagues.
Additionally, he is in talks with Apple, Adidas, and Fanatics to receive a portion of revenue from each of these companies as part of his move to North America. A reported plan to purchase a 35% stake in Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham, adds another feather to Messi's financial cap.
This new approach to athlete compensation, marrying playing salary with team equity, may open the door for future deals of similar nature, and for Messi, it could be the key to reaching the exclusive echelon of sports billionaires