Summary of Key Points
Lionel Messi has become the fourth active athlete to amass a fortune exceeding $1.1 billion through career earnings, commercial endorsements, diversified investments, and the long-term value he brings to Miami International. He rejected a short-term offer of a $400 million annual salary from Saudi Arabia in favor of the American league, securing not only his current salary and commercial revenue but also the right to purchase shares in Miami International after retirement, benefiting from the team's soaring valuation. His wealth comes from three main sources: on-field earnings, endorsements, and investments. Despite facing tax issues and some investment failures, his overall wealth has grown steadily, and he remains competitive with no plans to retire yet.
1. Rejecting the Saudi Salary Offer: Choosing Miami for a Long-Term Future
After winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi faced a contract renewal decision. While the Saudi league offered him a $400 million annual salary (5-6 times his current salary in the US), he chose Miami International. This was not a foolish move but a calculated choice for the long term:
- Current High Earnings: His fixed salary of $28.3 million from MLS, combined with revenue shares from Adidas and Apple TV, brings an annual income of around $70-80 million, which is higher than most athletes.
- Future Value: He owns the right to purchase shares in Miami International after retirement. The team's valuation has increased from $600 million to $1.35 billion, with potential for further growth as the team progresses.
- Continued Commercial Exposure: The global influence of the US market will maintain his endorsement value, whereas the Saudi league offers less exposure.
Unlike his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who chose a higher salary in Saudi Arabia, Messi's decision reflects a strategy of securing more stable long-term assets.
2. The Three Pillars of His Fortune: Salary, Endorsements, and Investments
Messi’s $1.1 billion fortune is the result of these three components:
- On-Field Earnings (about $1.2 billion): His pre-tax total earnings from his career (before agent fees) rank him second among athletes, second only to Ronaldo. For example, he earned $177 million in the 2017-2018 season with Barcelona and high salaries in Paris.
- Commercial Endorsements ($600 million+): He has partnerships with over 10 brands, including a lifetime contract with Adidas and deals with MasterCard and PepsiCo. His popularity makes him valuable to advertisers.
- Diversified Investments:
- Successful ventures include founding a real estate investment trust worth $282 million and holding shares in luxury hotels in Spain/Andorra.
- Minor setbacks, such as the failed sports drink project “Más+,” did not significantly impact his overall earnings.
These factors combine to make him the fifth-richest person in Argentina and one of only four active athletes with a fortune in the “billion-dollar club.”
3. The Impact of Messi on Miami International
Messi’s arrival had a transformative effect on the team:
- Performance Improvement: The team started from the bottom of the league but won the MLS Cup in 2025.
- Valuation Boost: The team’s valuation soared from $600 million to $1.35 billion, making it the highest in the league.
- Personal Long-Term Benefits: He can profit from the team’s growth after retirement by purchasing shares.
Owner Jorge Mas said, “Everyone knows about Messi playing for Miami now,” highlighting Messi’s influence as a “value engine” for the team.
Messi’s path is similar to David Beckham’s, who also built his fortune through Miami International shares after retirement.
4. From a Working-Class Boy to a Billionaire: Key Moments in His Journey
Messi’s journey to wealth was not smooth:
- Barça’s Support: Barcelona covered his growth hormone treatment costs at the age of 13, providing him with a foundation for his career.
- Award and High Contracts: Winning the Ballon d’Or in 2009 led to multiple contract extensions and substantial income increases.
- Tax Lessons: A $4 million penalty for tax fraud in 2016 taught him the importance of financial compliance.
- Miami’s Strategic Move: Choosing the US league at 38 allowed him to continue competing while planning for his future wealth.
His journey from a working-class background to billionaire status is a testament to his talent and wise business decisions.
5. A Future with Growing Wealth
Messi, now 39 and in good form, just renewed his contract with Miami International for three years and is still competing in the World Cup. He says, “I won’t retire as long as my body allows me to continue playing and enjoying football.” Potential sources of future wealth include:
- Further appreciation of his Miami International shares.
- Renewal of endorsements, such as his lifelong Adidas contract.
- Returns from investments, including his real estate trust and football club holdings.
Even after retirement, his wealth is expected to grow, similar to Beckham’s case. Messi’s story shows how talent, strategic choices, and business acumen can lead to extraordinary success in the sports and business worlds.
In summary, Messi’s fortune is a result of his exceptional skills, smart decisions, and understanding of the commercial opportunities in sports.