Lionel Messi is one of the most well-known and successful football players of all time, with an estimated net worth of $650 million in 2024. His exceptional skills on the field have made him a global icon, but his wealth is also a result of his smart business ventures, sponsorship deals, and high-paying contracts. From his early career at FC Barcelona to his time at PSG and his recent move to Inter Miami, Messi’s earnings and investments have been diverse and substantial. This blog post will explore how Messi has built his fortune, including his salary, football contracts, business investments, endorsements, real estate holdings, and luxury assets.
Key Points:
- Messi’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $650 million.
- He earned significant income from football contracts, sponsorships, and image rights.
- Messi’s wealth comes from football, business ventures, and investments, including real estate and luxury cars.
How Did Lionel Messi Start His Football Career?
Lionel Messi’s football journey began in Argentina at a young age, where he showed immense potential. His skills on the pitch led him to join FC Barcelona’s youth team at 13 years old, despite his health challenges, such as growth hormone deficiency. At Barcelona, Messi rose through the ranks quickly, making his professional debut in 2004. His success at Barcelona was unprecedented, leading to multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, as well as breaking records for goals and assists. Messi’s early success at Barcelona formed the foundation for his financial growth, making him one of the highest-paid athletes even in his early years.
What Are Lionel Messi’s Salary and Football Contracts?
Lionel Messi’s football contracts have been central to his wealth, with each new deal increasing his earnings. His contract at FC Barcelona was one of the largest in the sport, especially by the time he renewed it in 2017. This deal brought in a €70 million gross annual salary, solidifying his position among the highest-paid athletes in the world. However, due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties, Messi left the club in 2021 and moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). At PSG, Messi earned a reported €35 million per year, with bonuses and performance-related incentives that pushed his overall income higher.
In 2023, Messi moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). This move included a lucrative contract, and reports suggest that additional revenue-sharing agreements with major sponsors like Apple and Adidas could increase his earnings by another $50–$60 million per year. This contract with Inter Miami is expected to further boost Messi’s wealth, solidifying his place as one of the wealthiest athletes worldwide.
Note: Messi’s income from football contracts is only one part of his overall wealth, as he also benefits significantly from endorsements and other ventures.
| Club | Contract Year | Annual Salary | Bonuses & Incentives |
| FC Barcelona | 2017 | €70 million | Performance-based rewards |
| PSG | 2021 | €35 million | Image rights, bonuses |
| Inter Miami | 2023 | $50-60 million | Revenue-sharing with sponsors |
What Are Messi’s Major Sponsorships and Endorsements?
In addition to his football salary, Messi has secured numerous endorsement deals, making him one of the richest athletes globally. Some of his biggest partnerships include brands like Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, and Gatorade. These deals have earned Messi tens of millions of dollars. He has also had a longstanding partnership with Adidas, which produces his own line of Messi-branded shoes.
Messi’s endorsement earnings are substantial, and he often appears in global advertising campaigns. In 2019, Forbes ranked Messi as the highest-paid athlete in the world, with a reported $127 million in total earnings, including his football salary and endorsement deals. Messi’s image rights, a unique aspect of his contracts, also contribute significantly to his wealth. He has been able to leverage his brand power to secure high-paying partnerships, further increasing his net worth.
Reminder: Sponsorships and endorsement deals are a major factor contributing to Messi’s wealth and should not be overlooked when calculating his net worth.
What Are Lionel Messi’s Investments and Business Ventures?
Beyond football and endorsements, Messi has also made several business investments. He has stakes in a variety of companies and ventures, including real estate and luxury items. For example, Messi has invested in hotels through his MiM Hotels chain, which operates several luxurious hotels in popular tourist destinations. These investments contribute to his wealth by generating consistent income.
Additionally, Messi has a significant real estate portfolio, with properties in Barcelona, Paris, and other high-end locations. He owns a $7 million mansion in Barcelona and has recently purchased homes in Miami. These properties are not only luxurious but also serve as profitable assets that can appreciate over time.
Messi has also ventured into the fashion industry, launching a clothing line in collaboration with his sponsors. This business venture further increases his income and enhances his global brand.
| Investment Type | Location | Estimated Value | Purpose |
| Real Estate | Barcelona, Paris, Miami | $10 million+ | Personal use, rental |
| Hotels | Spain, Ibiza | $50 million+ | Business venture |
| Fashion | Global | Estimated at $5 million | Clothing line |
What Are Lionel Messi’s Luxury Assets?
Messi is known for his luxurious lifestyle, which includes a collection of high-end cars, private jets, and other expensive assets. His luxury car collection includes some of the most prestigious brands in the world, such as Ferrari, Audi, and Maserati. One of the most notable cars in his collection is his Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti, valued at around $30 million, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world.
In addition to his cars, Messi owns several private jets. His Gulfstream V jet, valued at over $50 million, allows him to travel in comfort and privacy around the world. These assets, while extravagant, reflect Messi’s financial success and contribute to his luxurious lifestyle.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2024 is an impressive $650 million, which reflects his success both on and off the field. Through his football contracts, sponsorships, business ventures, and luxury assets, Messi has become one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
His endorsement deals, such as those with Adidas and Pepsi, along with his investments in real estate and hotels, have significantly boosted his wealth. Messi’s smart financial decisions, along with his extraordinary talent and success in football, have helped him build and maintain his fortune. As he continues to grow his career in MLS with Inter Miami, his wealth is expected to keep increasing.
FAQ’s
- How did Lionel Messi make his fortune?
- Messi’s fortune comes from his high-paying football contracts, endorsements, business investments, and luxury assets like real estate and cars.
- What is Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2024?
- Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $650 million.
- What are Messi’s major endorsement deals?
- Messi’s endorsements include partnerships with Adidas, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Budweiser, among others.
- What luxury assets does Messi own?
- Messi owns luxury cars, including a Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti, and a Gulfstream V private jet.
- Has Lionel Messi made any significant business investments?
- Yes, Messi has invested in real estate, hotels, and even a clothing line, which contribute to his wealth.
