When people talk about football greatness, Lionel Messi’s name is inevitable. But beyond the magical goals and eight Ballon d’Or trophies, the Argentine superstar has built a financial empire that rivals his on-field success. With an estimated lionel messi net worth of $850 million in 2025, Messi stands as one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
From his humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global icon, Messi’s journey from a growth-hormone-deficient child to football’s richest active player is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s break down exactly how he built this massive fortune.
Lionel Messi Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Rosario, Argentina |
| Height | 5’7″ (1.70 m) |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Current Team | Inter Miami CF (MLS) |
| Position | Forward |
| Wife | Antonela Roccuzzo (m. 2017) |
| Children | Thiago, Mateo, Ciro |
| Parents | Jorge Messi, Celia Cuccittini |
| Career Start | FC Barcelona (2004) |
| Major Achievements | 8 Ballon d’Or, 2022 World Cup Winner, 45 team trophies |
| Career Goals | 866+ goals |
| Net Worth (2025) | $850 million |
Messi’s Social Media Links
| Platform | Handle/Link | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @leomessi | 510M+ | |
| Leo Messi Official | 110M+ | |
| YouTube | Leo Messi Channel | Active |
| Twitter/X | Not publicly available | N/A |
| Not publicly available | N/A |
What is Lionel Messi Net Worth in 2025?
Lionel Messi’s net worth is approximately $850 million as of 2025, with some estimates suggesting it could exceed $1 billion when factoring in his Inter Miami ownership stake and business valuations.
Throughout his career, Messi has earned over $1.6 billion in total gross income, including:
- $900 million from football salaries
- $400-700 million from endorsements and sponsorships
This staggering wealth makes him one of the top 10 wealthiest athletes globally, second only to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo ($1.4 billion) among active footballers.
How Messi Built His $850 Million Fortune
Football Contracts: $900M+ Career Earnings
FC Barcelona (2004-2021) Messi’s final Barcelona contract was worth €555 million over four years, including a €115 million signing bonus. At his peak, he earned over $100 million annually.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023) Two-year deal worth €35 million net per year ($75 million total with bonuses), keeping him among Forbes’ top-paid athletes.
Inter Miami (2023-2028) Current contract worth $125-150 million over multiple years, including:
- Base salary: $12-20 million annually
- Revenue shares with Apple TV+ and Adidas
- Equity stake in the club (exercisable after retirement)
- Total annual compensation: $60 million
The genius? His Inter Miami equity could be worth $100-200 million when the club’s value reaches $1 billion.
Endorsement Empire: $50-75M Annually
Adidas Lifetime Deal The crown jewel: a lifetime contract worth up to $1 billion, paying $25+ million annually since 2017. This partnership has generated billions in sales, with Messi’s No. 10 jersey becoming the best-selling MLS jersey in 2024.
Apple TV+ Partnership Revenue-sharing deal on MLS Season Pass subscriptions plus exclusive documentary content, adding millions annually.
Major Brand Partners:
- PepsiCo (Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade): ~$5M/year
- Budweiser, Mastercard, Hard Rock International
- Jacob & Co., Huawei, Socios.com
Total endorsement income: $50-75 million per year
Business Ventures & Investments
MiM Hotels: Luxury hotel chain (6+ properties in Spain, Andorra) valued at $100M+
Real Estate Portfolio ($40-50M):
- Miami: $10.8M waterfront mansion + $30M in Cipriani Residences
- Barcelona: $10M Bellamar mansion
- Argentina: Housing developments in Rosario
Más+ by Messi (2024): Hydration drink generating $200M in first-year sales
Other Ventures:
- Messi Fragrances (2025)
- 525 Rosario production company
- Play Time tech investment fund
Luxury Assets:
- Gulfstream V private jet ($48M)
- Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti
- Pagani Zonda Tricolore
Messi vs. Other Wealthy Athletes
Richer than Messi:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: $1.4 billion
- Michael Jordan: $3+ billion
- Tiger Woods, LeBron James: $1+ billion each
Messi vs. Ronaldo:
- Net worth: Ronaldo leads ($1.4B vs $850M)
- Social media: Ronaldo 618M Instagram followers, Messi 510M
- Both surpassed $1 billion in career earnings
- Messi’s equity stakes could close the gap
The Inter Miami Impact
Since Messi’s arrival:
- Instagram followers: 1M → 8M+
- Team valuation: $585M → $1B+ (projected)
- MLS jersey sales: +41% league-wide
- Season ticket demand: 10x capacity
- Set MLS regular season points record (74)
- Messi named 2024 MLS MVP
Giving Back: Messi’s Philanthropy
Leo Messi Foundation (2007): Supports healthcare, education, and sports for vulnerable children globally. Funded medical centers, research grants, and training programs across Argentina, Spain, and worldwide.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (2010): Focuses on HIV prevention, education, and social inclusion of disabled children.
COVID-19 Response: Donated over €1 million to hospitals in Spain and Argentina.
Other Charitable Work: “Messi and Friends” charity matches, donated record-breaking shoes to cancer charity auctions (raised £125,000).
Will Messi Become a Billionaire?
Almost certainly yes. Here’s why:
- Inter Miami equity: Could be worth $100-200M when exercised
- Adidas lifetime deal: $25M+ annually for decades
- Ongoing endorsements: $50-75M per year
- Business appreciation: Hotels, real estate, and ventures growing
- Current trajectory: Net worth jumped $200M in one year (2024-2025)
Conservative estimates suggest billionaire status within 3-5 years. Some analysts argue he may already be worth over $1 billion when including all assets at market value.
Key Financial Milestones
- 2025: 5th highest-paid athlete globally ($135M: $60M on-field, $75M off-field)
- 2022 & 2019: World’s highest-paid athlete
- 2020: Second footballer to surpass $1 billion in career earnings
- 2023: Named Time’s Athlete of the Year
- 2025: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s $850 million net worth represents more than accumulated wealth—it’s a testament to excellence both on and off the pitch. From a boy in Rosario who couldn’t afford medical treatment to one of the wealthiest athletes in history, Messi’s financial journey is as remarkable as his football career.
His empire spans record-breaking contracts, a lifetime Adidas deal worth up to $1 billion, strategic business ventures, luxury real estate, and revenue-sharing partnerships with global brands. Unlike athletes who’ve squandered fortunes, Messi has built sustainable, generational wealth through smart planning and diversified investments.
At 38, he continues earning $135 million annually while his Inter Miami equity stake and business ventures position him for billionaire status within years. Whether he’s scoring goals, launching hydration drinks, or supporting children through his foundation, Messi proves you can dominate your sport while building a lasting legacy beyond it.
The magic isn’t just in his feet—it’s in the empire he’s created, one brilliant decision at a time.
See More On: Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth 2025: How CR7 Built His $1.2 Billion Fortune
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi Net Worth
1. What is Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2025?
Messi’s net worth is approximately $850 million as of 2025, though some estimates exceed $1 billion when including his Inter Miami equity and business valuations. He’s earned over $1.6 billion throughout his career.
2. How much does Messi earn per year?
Messi earns approximately $135 million annually in 2025: $60 million from Inter Miami (salary + Apple/Adidas revenue shares) and $75 million from endorsements and business ventures.
3. Is Messi richer than Cristiano Ronaldo?
No, Ronaldo’s net worth is $1.4 billion compared to Messi’s $850 million. However, Messi’s Inter Miami equity stake could close this gap as the club’s value increases.
4. What is Messi’s biggest endorsement deal?
Messi’s Adidas lifetime contract (signed 2017) is his biggest deal, worth up to $1 billion and paying $25+ million annually. This partnership began in 2006.
5. How much is Messi’s Inter Miami contract worth?
Messi’s Inter Miami deal (2023-2028) is worth $125-150 million total, including base salary, signing bonuses, equity stake option, and revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV+ and Adidas—totaling about $60 million annually.
6. What businesses does Messi own?
Messi owns MiM Hotels (luxury hotel chain valued at $100M+), Más+ by Messi (hydration drink generating $200M in sales), Messi Fragrances, 525 Rosario production company, and real estate worth $40-50 million across Miami, Barcelona, and Argentina.
7. Will Messi become a billionaire?
Very likely. His Inter Miami equity could be worth $100-200M, his Adidas deal pays $25M+ annually for life, and his business ventures are appreciating. Experts predict billionaire status within 3-5 years, if not already achieved.