Lionel Messi, the Argentinian-born football legend, is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. With a staggering net worth of $850 million, Messi, now 37 years old, has achieved a level of success few athletes ever dream of. From his record-breaking years at FC Barcelona to his current role at Inter Miami, Messi’s career has been defined by an unmatched ability to score, create, and lead on the pitch. As one of the highest-paid athletes of all time, Messi has built a legacy both on and off the field.
From Rosario to Global Icon
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini displayed prodigious football talent from a young age. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at 10 years old, his family relocated to Barcelona after the club’s youth academy agreed to cover his medical treatments. What followed was one of the most remarkable stories in football history.
Messi rose through the ranks of La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, before making his senior team debut at just 17. Over the next two decades, he became the face of FC Barcelona, rewriting record books with every passing season.
The Barcelona Years: Dominance and Records
Between 2003 and 2021, Messi’s impact at Barcelona was unprecedented. Over 778 appearances, he scored a record 672 goals and delivered countless assists. His partnership with Barcelona yielded 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Rey victories, and six Ballon d’Or awards during his time at the club.
In 2017, Messi signed a jaw-dropping contract extension with Barcelona worth $674 million over four years, making it the most lucrative deal in sports history at the time. The contract gave Messi an average base annual salary of $168 million, excluding bonuses and sponsorships.
The Move to PSG and International Glory
In August 2021, after financial struggles at Barcelona made it impossible to renew his contract, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While in France, Messi continued to rack up goals and assists, helping PSG secure domestic trophies and strengthening his commercial value globally.
At the international level, Messi finally secured the trophy that had long eluded him, leading Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021. A year later, on December 18, 2022, Messi cemented his legacy by guiding Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, lifting the one title that solidified him as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the eyes of millions.
The Inter Miami Deal: A New Era in the U.S.
In June 2023, Lionel Messi shocked the football world again by announcing his move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham. This deal is one of the most unique in sports history, offering Messi a $60 million annual base salary, a revenue share of Apple’s MLS streaming subscriptions, and a future ownership stake in the club.
Messi is set to receive a 10% stake in Inter Miami at the end of his playing contract. If the team’s valuation holds or grows, this equity could be worth well over $200 million. This agreement mirrors David Beckham’s transformative impact on U.S. soccer when he signed with LA Galaxy and later acquired Inter Miami.
Earnings Breakdown: Salary and Endorsements
To date, Messi has earned approximately $1.2 billion in salary and another $400 million from endorsements, totaling over $1.6 billion in career earnings. Despite media misinterpretations, Messi is not technically a billionaire, although his wealth places him comfortably among the richest athletes in history.
His endorsement portfolio is second to none, including long-standing partnerships with Adidas, Pepsi, Gatorade, Budweiser, and Mastercard. Messi’s lifetime contract with Adidas is reportedly worth tens of millions annually, and he frequently appears in global campaigns for the sportswear giant.
In addition to traditional endorsements, Messi has launched his own clothing line and partnered with various tech and lifestyle brands, further diversifying his income streams.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Off the pitch, Messi has remained humble and grounded, focusing on charitable initiatives and his close-knit family. The Lionel Messi Foundation, founded in 2007, supports education, healthcare, and sports programs for vulnerable children worldwide.
Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart. The couple shares three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. They maintain a relatively private lifestyle despite Messi’s global fame, balancing life between Miami and their other homes in Barcelona and Rosario.
A Legacy Beyond Football
Messi’s influence extends beyond goals and trophies. His unique playing style, defined by close ball control, vision, and an almost telepathic understanding of the game, has inspired generations of players. He is often compared to footballing greats like Pelé and Diego Maradona, but many believe Messi has surpassed even those legends after delivering the World Cup for Argentina.
As of 2025, Messi holds eight Ballon d’Or awards, more than any other player, and continues to play at an elite level in the MLS while expanding soccer’s footprint in the U.S. His presence has already boosted Inter Miami’s ticket sales, viewership numbers, and merchandise revenue exponentially.
What’s Next for Messi?
While Lionel Messi’s playing career is winding down, his post-football ventures are just beginning. His ownership stake in Inter Miami, global brand partnerships, and growing influence in sports media position him for long-term success as an entrepreneur and ambassador for the sport.
Whether he decides to retire in Miami or pursue future opportunities elsewhere, Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of football’s greatest—and richest—icons is firmly secured.
