Lionel Messi, the Argentinian-born soccer sensation, has a net worth of $650 million. Often regarded as the best soccer player in the world, Messi’s financial success matches his sporting achievements. His net worth has been built through a combination of his professional contracts, endorsements, and strategic investments.
How Did Lionel Messi Begin His Career?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, worked in a steel factory, while his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, was a part-time cleaner. From a young age, Messi was passionate about soccer, joining the local club, Newell’s Old Boys, at six. His talent was evident early on, but his journey wasn’t without challenges. At ten, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Unable to afford the treatment, his family sought help from various sources.
How Did Messi’s Career Take Off?
Messi’s breakthrough came when FC Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Carles Rexach, offered to pay for his medical treatment if he moved to Spain. With his father’s approval, Messi moved to Barcelona in 2001. He joined the Royal Spanish Football Federation, quickly becoming part of the “Baby Dream Team.” Messi made his league debut for Barcelona at 17, and his career skyrocketed from there. He became the youngest player to score for Barcelona, and his performance earned him a standing ovation.
What are Messi’s Major Achievements?
During his time with Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games. He won numerous titles, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Messi’s skill and dedication earned him the Ballon d’Or multiple times, solidifying his place as one of the greatest soccer players in history. In 2022, Messi led Argentina to win the World Cup, further cementing his legacy.
What Are Messi’s Salary and Endorsement Earnings?
Messi’s financial success is unparalleled. His 2017 contract with Barcelona paid him an average annual salary of $168 million. He also earns around $40 million annually from endorsements. By the time his Barcelona contract ended, Messi had earned approximately $900 million in salary and $400 million from endorsements, totaling over $1.3 billion in career earnings.
What Happened After Messi Left Barcelona?
In August 2021, financial constraints forced Barcelona to let Messi go. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a contract worth $75 million per year. In June 2023, Messi announced he was joining Inter Miami, an MLS team co-owned by David Beckham. This unique deal includes a revenue share from Apple’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions.
What Are Some of Messi’s Key Endorsements?
Messi has been sponsored by Adidas since 2006, becoming their leading brand endorser after initially being signed by Nike at age 14. His lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas, along with other partnerships, significantly contributes to his income. In January 2021, Messi signed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism, which could earn him $25 million.
How Does Messi Contribute to Charity?
Messi is deeply involved in philanthropy. He founded the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, which focuses on providing education and healthcare opportunities for underprivileged children. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi donated $1 million to fight the virus and took a 70% salary cut to ensure no Barcelona workers’ wages were docked.
What Is Messi’s Personal Life Like?
Messi has been with Antonella Roccuzzo, a fellow Rosario native, since 2008. The couple has three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Messi remains close to his family, and his professional affairs are managed as a family business. His father has been his agent since he was 14, and his older brother handles his publicity.
What Are Messi’s Real Estate Investments?
In 2009, Messi purchased a home in Barcelona’s Pedrables neighborhood for $2 million, spending millions more on renovations. Today, the property is estimated to be worth $7 – $10 million. In Miami, Messi bought a condo for $5 million in 2019 and another for $7.3 million in 2021.
What Is Messi’s Impact on the Soccer World?
Lionel Messi’s influence extends beyond his financial and sporting achievements. He is a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating that talent, combined with hard work and dedication, can lead to unparalleled success. His journey from a young boy with a growth hormone deficiency to one of the greatest soccer players in history is truly inspirational.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s net worth of $650 million is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and business acumen. From his early days in Rosario to his success with Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami, Messi’s career is a remarkable journey of perseverance and excellence. His contributions to soccer and philanthropy make him a legendary figure, inspiring millions around the globe.
