Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, now 39, has officially joined the exclusive club of active athletes with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. His estimated $1.1 billion fortune places him among just four sports figures to achieve this financial milestone while still competing. This remarkable wealth has been accumulated through a combination of colossal playing contracts and highly lucrative endorsement deals over his two-decade career.
A significant portion of Messi's earnings came during his final years at FC Barcelona, where he commanded a staggering four-year contract worth $675 million. Following his departure from the Spanish giants, he continued to earn a substantial salary at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Currently, playing for Inter Miami, Messi reportedly earns an estimated $70 million to $80 million annually, with an additional option to acquire an equity stake in the club upon his eventual retirement from the sport.
Beyond his on-pitch prowess, Messi has capitalised immensely on his global celebrity through corporate sponsorships, generating over $600 million. His most prominent endorsement is a lifetime contract with sportswear giant Adidas, signed in 2017, which forms the cornerstone of his commercial portfolio. Complementing this, Messi maintains long-standing partnerships with other major brands, including Mastercard, Michelob Ultra, and Lay's, further solidifying his financial standing.
Messi's enduring legend, particularly in his native Argentina, has played a crucial role in his commercial appeal. Despite living outside Argentina since the age of 13, having moved with his family to Spain to join Barcelona, he remains a potent national symbol. His emotional connection to his homeland, often displayed through tears of joy or disappointment on the field, resonates deeply with fans globally and domestically, enhancing his marketability.
The value of Messi's iconography is further underscored by the prices his memorabilia commands. In 2023, a collection of six shirts he wore during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign fetched an astonishing $7.8 million at a Sotheby's auction. This sale made them the second most valuable football jerseys ever to be auctioned, reflecting the immense global appreciation for his contributions to the sport and his status as a footballing legend.