Lionel Messi’s Net Worth in 2024: A Comprehensive Look at the Soccer Legend’s Wealth
Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic soccer players in history, has a staggering net worth estimated at $650 million as of 2024. Born in Argentina, Messi’s incredible career on the field and his lucrative endorsement deals have made him one of the highest-paid athletes of all time.
Early Career and Barcelona Legacy
Messi’s journey to becoming a global soccer phenomenon began at a young age. Joining FC Barcelona at just 13, Messi’s talent was undeniable. Over his 21-year career with the club, Messi played 778 games and scored an astonishing 672 goals, making him Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. His time at Barcelona also saw him winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards, further solidifying his legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players.
In 2017, Messi signed a contract with Barcelona that paid him a base annual salary of $168 million. This contract, which remained one of the best-kept secrets in sports until details were leaked in 2021, made Messi the highest-paid soccer player in history.
Transition to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
In August 2021, after financial constraints prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His initial deal with PSG was worth $75 million per year before taxes, approximately $40 million after taxes. This contract also included performance-based bonuses and a share of the club’s jersey sales.
At PSG, Messi continued to excel, contributing significantly to the team’s success. However, despite his impressive earnings, rumors circulated in 2023 about a potential move to Saudi Arabia for an unprecedented $1 billion contract. This deal would have paid Messi $400 million per season, but ultimately, Messi chose a different path.
Joining Inter Miami: A New Chapter in the MLS
In a surprising turn of events, Messi announced in June 2023 that he would join Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) team co-owned by David Beckham. This decision marked a significant shift in Messi’s career, as he moved to the United States to help grow the sport in a market where soccer is rapidly gaining popularity.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is unique, providing him with a salary of $1.03 million per week (or $54 million per year) over four years. In addition to his salary, Messi will receive a share of the revenue generated by Apple’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions, making this one of the most innovative contracts in sports history.
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Breakdown of Messi’s Earnings: Salary, Endorsements, and More
Messi’s earnings extend far beyond his salary. His lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas remains one of his most lucrative agreements, earning him an estimated $40 million annually. Over the years, Messi has secured numerous other endorsement deals, including partnerships with brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, and Huawei.
Between June 2022 and June 2023, Messi reportedly earned $130 million, with $75 million coming from his PSG salary and the remainder from endorsements. These earnings placed him among the highest-paid athletes in the world, further boosting his net worth.
The Visit Saudi Endorsement Deal
In addition to his Adidas deal, Messi signed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority, “Visit Saudi,” in 2021. This contract, reportedly worth $25 million, requires Messi to promote Saudi tourism through social media posts, advertisements, and annual visits to the country. The deal is highly structured, with Messi receiving $2 million per social media post and additional payments for participating in charitable work and promotional campaigns.
However, the contract also includes a clause that prevents Messi from making any statements that could tarnish Saudi Arabia’s image, a stipulation that has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of such agreements.
Messi’s Early Life and Overcoming Challenges
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi faced significant challenges early in life. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10, his family struggled to afford the necessary treatment. However, Messi’s undeniable talent caught the attention of FC Barcelona, which offered to cover his medical expenses if he moved to Spain.
This pivotal decision led to Messi’s enrollment in Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, where he honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks. By the age of 17, Messi made his league debut for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to score for the club at that time.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Messi’s career is filled with remarkable achievements. During his time at Barcelona, he won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous other domestic and international honors. Messi’s skill, vision, and ability to score in critical moments have made him a legend in the sport.
In 2019, Messi won his sixth Ballon d’Or, a record-breaking achievement that further cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most talked-about in sports, with both players pushing each other to new heights.
In December 2022, Messi achieved what many considered the pinnacle of his career by leading Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup. Messi’s performance in the tournament, including his two goals in the final against France, earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
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Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Beyond his on-field success, Messi is deeply committed to philanthropy. He founded the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, focusing on providing better healthcare and education opportunities for children around the world. The foundation has funded numerous projects, including building hospitals, funding medical research, and supporting underprivileged communities.
Messi is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has been involved in various initiatives to support children affected by conflicts and natural disasters. In March 2020, Messi donated $1 million to support the fight against COVID-19, further demonstrating his commitment to helping those in need.
Personal Life and Family
Messi’s personal life is closely intertwined with his family. He has been with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, since 2008. The couple, who have known each other since childhood, married in 2017 and have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Despite his immense fame and fortune, Messi remains grounded, often sharing moments with his family on social media.
Messi’s father, Jorge, has been his agent since he was 14, and his older brother, Rodrigo, manages his publicity. The Messi family operates much like a close-knit team, ensuring that Lionel’s professional and personal interests are well managed.
Bio Data
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentinian |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Inter Miami CF (MLS) |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Net Worth | $650 million (as of 2024) |
| Parents | – Father: Jorge Horacio Messi (Factory Steelworker) – Mother: Celia Maria Cuccittini (Part-time Cleaner) |
| Siblings | – Brothers: Rodrigo Messi, Matias Messi – Sister: Maria Sol Messi |
| Wife | Antonella Roccuzzo (Married in 2017) |
| Children | – Sons: Thiago Messi (b. 2012), Mateo Messi (b. 2015), Ciro Messi (b. 2018) |
| Education | La Masia, FC Barcelona Youth Academy |
| Professional Debut | November 16, 2003 (Barcelona vs. FC Porto) |
| Career Goals | 672 goals in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona (2000-2021) |
| Major Achievements | – 7 Ballon d’Or Awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021) – 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona – FIFA World Cup Champion (2022) – Olympic Gold Medal (2008) – Record goal scorer for Barcelona and La Liga |
| Notable Contracts | – 2017 Contract with Barcelona: $168 million/year – 2021 Contract with PSG: $75 million/year – 2023 Contract with Inter Miami: $54 million/year plus revenue share from Apple’s MLS Season Pass |
| Endorsements | – Adidas (Lifetime Deal) – Pepsi – Gatorade – Huawei – Visit Saudi (3-year contract worth $25 million) |
| Charity Work | Founder of the Leo Messi Foundation; UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; donated $1 million to COVID-19 relief; supports youth football clubs in Argentina; built hospitals and facilities through his foundation |
| Real Estate | – Home in Pedrables, Barcelona (Estimated value: $7-10 million) – Condo in Miami, USA (Purchased for $5 million in 2019) – Ninth floor in Miami building (Purchased for $7.3 million in 2021) |
| Social Media Presence | – Instagram: @leomessi |
| – Twitter: @TeamMessi (Managed account for updates) | |
| – Facebook: Lionel Messi | |
| YouTube | – YouTube: No official personal channel, but featured on many platforms |
| Key Quotes | “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” |
| Fun Facts | – Lionel Messi has a tattoo of his mother’s face on his left shoulder – He is known for being incredibly close to his family, with his father managing his career since he was 14 – Despite being one of the wealthiest athletes, Messi remains humble and deeply involved in charitable activities and family life |
Real Estate and Investments
Messi’s wealth is also reflected in his real estate investments. In 2009, he purchased a home in the exclusive Barcelona neighborhood of Pedrables for $2 million. After extensive renovations, the property is now valued between $7 million and $10 million. The home features a Mediterranean-style design, complete with a swimming pool, private gym, and panoramic views of the city.
In the United States, Messi has invested heavily in Miami real estate. In November 2019, he purchased a luxury condo for $5 million, followed by the acquisition of the entire ninth floor of a nearby building for $7.3 million in April 2021. These properties are part of Messi’s strategy to expand his presence in the U.S. market, especially as his playing career continues in the MLS.