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Rabat – Lionel Messi has officially reached billionaire status, joining his long‑time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi has earned more than $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007. According to Bloomberg,
When adjusted for taxes, sponsorships, and investment returns, his net worth has now passed the $1 billion mark.
This number places him alongside Ronaldo, who became the first footballer to reach the figure after moving to Al‑Nassr in 2023.
Unlike Ronaldo’s brand‑driven rise, Messi’s path has been steadier, guided by his family and trusted advisers.
Inter Miami impact
Messi rejected a reported $400 million annual offer from Saudi Arabia, saying: “Money was never a problem for me, nor an obstacle in anything. If it had been about money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or somewhere else.”
Instead, his move to Inter Miami boosted both his earnings and the club’s value. Owner Jorge Mas revealed Messi earns between $70m and $80m annually, with equity options and revenue‑sharing deals tied to Apple TV.
Inter Miami’s valuation has since climbed to $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable team in the US and ranking 16th worldwide.
Messi’s wealth extends beyond football. Under the guidance of his father, Jorge, and banker Alfonso Nebot Armisen, he has invested in real estate, hotels, and commercial properties, including a $232 million trust listed in Spain.
He also launched the Mas+ by Messi sports drink and invested in the Argentine restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, ensuring steady revenue regardless of his playing career.
With his career nearing its end, Messi has already begun building a future in football ownership. He recently acquired UE Cornella in Spain’s fifth division and holds a stake in Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside Luis Suarez.
His family also runs Los Leones in Rosario, keeping his legacy tied to the game.
Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire
