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Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has become a billionaire thanks to his football career, sponsorship deals, and investment projects, the BBC reports.
According to Bloomberg, the 38-year-old striker has earned over $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007. After accounting for taxes, market returns, investment income, and sponsorship deals, his net worth exceeds $1 billion.
Messi thus joined the ranks of the world's richest athletes, alongside his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese footballer became the first footballer to become a billionaire after joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023.
Following Argentina's victory at the 2022 World Cup, Messi rejected a contract offered by the Saudi Arabian Professional Football League. According to Bloomberg, the deal was worth $400 million per year. Instead, he chose to continue his career with American club Inter Miami.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo in 2022, Messi stated that money had never been the main factor in his decisions about continuing his career.
Since the Argentine's transfer to Inter Miami, the club has significantly strengthened its position. According to Bloomberg, the team has become the most valuable soccer club in the United States, taking 16th place in the world rankings, ahead of several European teams, including English side Newcastle United.
Club owner Jorge Mas previously reported that Messi's annual salary at Inter Miami is between $70 million and $80 million, including bonuses.
After joining the American club, the footballer gained new earning opportunities. According to The Athletic, during contract negotiations, an agreement between MLS and Apple was discussed, under which Messi would receive a share of sales of new subscriptions to Apple TV+'s "MLS Season Pass" service.
According to Jorge Mas, the service's subscriber base grew significantly in the months following the footballer's transfer to the club.
Bloomberg also notes that Messi is actively developing his business outside of football. In 2024, he launched the sports drink "Más+ by Messi" in partnership with Mark Anthony International SRL. He also became an investor in the Argentine restaurant chain "El Club de la Milanesa," which specializes in traditional Argentine breaded steaks.
Before joining Inter Miami, Messi played for Paris Saint-Germain, and previously spent most of his career with Barcelona, where he won several national and European titles. The Argentine also holds the record for most Ballons d'Or awards.
