Messi joins Ronaldo in football’s billionaire club

Lionel Messi has officially joined long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in football’s exclusive billionaire ranks.

This follows a surge in earnings tied to his move to Inter Miami CF and a growing portfolio of sponsorship and investment deals.

According to a Bloomberg analysis, the Argentine superstar’s net worth has now crossed the $1 billion mark, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally and only the second footballer after Ronaldo to achieve the milestone, Bloomberg reported.

What they are saying

Messi, 38, has reportedly earned more than $700 million in salaries and bonuses since 2007, with additional wealth generated from endorsement partnerships, investments, equity deals, and real estate holdings.

The milestone comes nearly three years after the World Cup winner rejected a lucrative Saudi Pro League offer reportedly worth about $400 million annually. Instead, Messi opted for a move to the United States in 2023, signing for Inter Miami in a deal that has since transformed both his earnings profile and the commercial value of Major League Soccer.

The agreement also reportedly featured revenue-sharing arrangements connected to Apple’s MLS Season Pass streaming service, following a partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer.

What you should know 

Messi’s arrival has significantly boosted Inter Miami’s valuation. The club is now valued at approximately $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable soccer franchise in the United States and one of the world’s top-ranked football brands.

• The football icon has also expanded aggressively into off-field business ventures. In 2024, Messi listed his Spanish real estate investment company, Edificio Rostower Socimi, on a Spanish exchange. The company owns hotels and commercial properties valued at over $230 million.
• Beyond football…