Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic footballers in the history of the sport, continues to command attention both on and off the pitch. His journey from a young prodigy in Argentina to a global footballing legend is well-documented, and along the way, his financial success has mirrored his on-field accomplishments. As of 2025, Messi’s net worth is not just a reflection of his talent, but also of his business ventures, endorsements, and investments.
Lionel Messi: In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Lionel Messi’s current net worth, exploring his football career earnings, brand endorsements, investments, and other sources of wealth that contribute to his financial portfolio.
The Rise of Messi: From Rosario to Global Icon
Lionel Messi: Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987. Recognizing his extraordinary talent at a young age, Messi moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. His rise through the ranks was rapid, and by the age of 17, he made his debut for the senior team.
Lionel Messi: Over the next two decades, Messi became the heart and soul of Barcelona, leading the club to numerous La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and individual accolades. His departure from Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked the end of an era for the Catalan club, but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Lionel Messi: In 2023, Messi made a significant move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), further cementing his status as a global footballing icon while opening up new commercial opportunities in the United States.
Messi’s Football Earnings: Salaries and Contract Details
Messi’s football career earnings represent the lion’s share of his net worth. His time at FC Barcelona saw him consistently among the highest-paid athletes in the world. Even after his move to PSG and later Inter Miami, Messi continued to earn substantial salaries that reflect his superstar status.
Messi’s Salary Overview (2021-2025)
| Year | Club | Annual Salary (Estimated) | Contract Length | Total Earnings (Including Bonuses) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FC Barcelona | €70 million | 2017–2021 (Final Year) | €130 million |
| 2021 | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) | €40 million | 2021–2023 | €75 million |
| 2023 | Inter Miami | €50 million | 2023–2025 | €70 million |
| 2024 | Inter Miami | €50 million | 2023–2025 | €60 million (Projected) |
Notes:
- Messi’s final season with Barcelona (2020-2021) included several contract bonuses.
- His PSG contract offered an attractive wage package, but his move to Inter Miami in 2023 also included a mix of salary, bonuses, and equity stakes in the team and league.
Endorsements and Brand Deals: The Global Face of Sports
Messi’s endorsement deals are a key driver of his net worth. Throughout his career, Messi has partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, adding millions to his earnings off the pitch. His marketing influence transcends borders, with major deals in various sectors including sports apparel, technology, beverages, and even finance.
Top Brand Endorsements:
| Brand | Estimated Annual Earnings | Type of Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | €10-15 million | Sports Apparel and Footwear |
| Pepsi | €5 million | Beverage Promotion |
| Huawei | €5 million | Technology Partnership |
| Gatorade | €4 million | Hydration Products |
| Budweiser | €3 million | Alcoholic Beverage Partnership |
| Mastercard | €2 million | Credit Card Promotions |
These endorsement deals have been instrumental in building Messi’s financial empire. His partnership with Adidas is perhaps the most significant, given his long-standing relationship with the brand. Additionally, his deals with companies like Pepsi and Huawei have helped Messi remain one of the top-earning athletes globally.
Messi’s Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond football and endorsements, Messi’s investments in various businesses have contributed significantly to his wealth. Known for being cautious with his money, Messi has diversified his financial portfolio by investing in real estate, hotels, and other business ventures.
Key Business Ventures:
| Business/Investment Type | Estimated Value of Investment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Messi’s Hotels (MIM Hotels) | €30-40 million | A series of luxury hotels located in Spain, with a focus on high-end hospitality. |
| Real Estate | €40 million | Messi owns several properties in Argentina, Spain, and other prime locations. |
| E-commerce & Lifestyle | €10 million | Investments in various lifestyle and e-commerce ventures. |
| Media Rights & Investments | €5 million | Ownership stake in media and production companies. |
His MIM Hotels project, which focuses on creating luxury accommodations, has been one of his more high-profile investments. Messi also has stakes in various startup ventures, including e-commerce platforms and media rights businesses.
Lionel Messi’s Net Worth in 2025: A Breakdown
Taking into account his earnings from football, endorsement deals, and business ventures, Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around €1 billion ($1.1 billion). This includes:
Football Earnings: €600-700 million from contracts and bonuses.
Endorsements: €150-200 million from global brand deals.
Business Investments: €100-150 million from real estate, hotels, and startups.
Other Assets: €50-100 million from private investments and media rights.
Lionel Messi’s Philanthropy and Charity Work
While Messi’s financial portfolio is impressive, he has also used his wealth for philanthropic endeavors. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, which he established in 2007, Messi has funded various projects focused on providing access to education, healthcare, and sports facilities for children around the world. His foundation works with organizations in Argentina and globally to help underprivileged children.
The Future: Messi’s Post-Retirement Earnings
As Messi enters the later stages of his playing career, his post-retirement financial future looks promising. Messi’s brand is so strong that he will likely continue to generate significant revenue through endorsements, business ventures, and media projects. Additionally, Messi has expressed interest in staying involved with soccer after his playing days, whether through coaching, managing, or serving as a global ambassador for the sport.
Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2025 is a testament to his unmatched skill on the field and his smart business acumen off it. With football earnings, endorsement deals, and investments all playing a key role, Messi has successfully transitioned from a player into a global brand. His legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure, and his financial future appears equally as bright.
As Messi continues his journey both on and off the field, his wealth will undoubtedly grow, securing his place among the wealthiest athletes in the world.
