Lionel Messi has officially crossed the $1 billion net worth threshold, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only footballers to achieve billionaire status. The 38-year-old Inter Miami captain reached this milestone through a combination of record-breaking contracts, strategic investments, and shrewd business partnerships that have extended his financial footprint far beyond the football pitch.
According to Bloomberg's analysis, Messi has earned more than $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007. When accounting for taxes, investment returns, and revenue streams from sponsorships and business ventures, his wealth has surpassed the billion-dollar mark. This achievement comes a year after Ronaldo became the first footballer to reach the milestone following his 2023 move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.
The Inter Miami Masterstroke
While many expected Messi to chase a lucrative Saudi Pro League contract, he famously rejected an offer worth $400 million annually. Instead, his 2023 transfer to Inter Miami proved to be a financial and strategic triumph. Jorge Mas, the club's owner, confirmed Messi's annual compensation ranges between $70 million and $80 million, but the deal includes equity options and revenue-sharing arrangements with Apple TV. This structure has been instrumental in building his wealth portfolio while transforming Inter Miami's valuation to $1.45 billion—the highest for any US soccer franchise and 16th globally.
Diversification Beyond Football
Messi's rise to billionaire status reflects diversification strategies similar to those employed by Michael Jordan and Roger Federer. Working closely with his father Jorge and Spanish banker Alfonso Nebot Armisen, he has expanded into:
- Real estate and hospitality, including a $232 million real estate investment trust listed on a Spanish exchange featuring luxury hotels and commercial properties
- Food and beverage ventures, launching the Mas+ sports drink brand and investing in El Club de la Milanesa, an Argentine restaurant chain
- Football club ownership, acquiring Spanish fifth-division side Cornella and holding stakes in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside former teammate Luis Suárez
Messi also operates Los Leones in his hometown of Rosario, establishing a lasting sports legacy beyond his playing career. With football's expiry date approaching, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has made clear his ambitions in the corporate world, stating that business is something he enjoys learning about. His portfolio strategy ensures the Messi brand generates revenue independent of on-field performance, positioning him for continued financial growth in the decades ahead.
