Lionel Messi has officially reached billionaire status, joining his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the most exclusive club in world sports. The Inter Miami and Argentina legend's net worth has surpassed $1 billion thanks to record-breaking contracts and savvy off-pitch investments. This is reported by Goal.com .
According to Bloomberg analysis, the 38-year-old footballer has earned over $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007. When accounting for taxes, market performance, and numerous sponsorship deals, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index confirmed his net worth has crossed the $1 billion threshold. With this result, he joins Cristiano Ronaldo, the first footballer to hit this mark after his move to Al-Nassr in 2023.
As many expected, Messi rejected a $400 million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabia, choosing instead the US Major League Soccer. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo at the time, he stated: "Money was never an issue or an obstacle for me. If it had been about money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere."
According to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, Messi's annual salary is around $70-80 million, but the contract includes unique clauses such as revenue sharing with Apple TV and equity in the club. Currently, Inter Miami is valued at $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable team in the US.
Messi's wealth is tied not only to football contracts but also to real estate and consumer goods. His portfolio includes luxury hotels, the Mas+ by Messi sports drink, and the El Club de la Milanesa restaurant chain. These ventures ensure the Messi brand generates income beyond sports, following in the footsteps of legends like Michael Jordan and Roger Federer.
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