Lionel Messi Net Worth: A Closer Look at Soccer’s Financial Titan

As one of the most famous and recognizable athletes in the world, Messi has been sponsored by Adidas since 2006.

He is their leading brand endorser. He originally signed with Nike at age 14 but later switched to Adidas.

In 2008, Messi launched a long-running signature collection of Adidas boots and received his own sub-brand of boots called Adidas Messi.

Contract with Inter Miami

On June 7, 2023, reports revealed that Messi planned to sign with Inter Miami of MLS, the American franchise co-owned by David Beckham.

The deal would pay him $1.03 million per week, totaling $54 million a year, over four years.

Additionally, Messi’s contract with Miami includes a revenue share of subscriptions sold by Apple for its MLS Season Pass.

Real Estate

In 2009, Messi bought a home in the Pedrables neighborhood of Barcelona for $2 million. He spent millions more on renovations and upgrades. Today, the home is estimated to be worth $7 to $10 million.

In November 2019, Messi bought a condo in Miami for $5 million. In April 2021, he purchased the entire ninth floor of another building in Miami for $7.3 million.

Philanthropic Efforts

Messi founded the Leo Messi Foundation to help underprivileged children with education and health care.

He started the charity in 2007 after a visit to a Boston children’s hospital, an experience that deeply changed him.

With support from Herbalife, his foundation pays for medical treatment, transportation, and recuperation for children with major health problems.

Since March 2010, Messi has been a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. He traveled to Haiti on a field mission to raise awareness about the struggles of the country’s children after the earthquake.

Messi also raises money for various charities through global football matches and other fundraising activities.

He financially supports many youth football clubs in Argentina, such as Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Juniors.

In 2012, he funded the construction of a new gym and dormitory at his boyhood club, Newell’s. His former coach at Newell’s works for the Messi Foundation as a talent scout for young players.

In March 2020, Messi donated $1 million to help fight the spread of coronavirus.

During the COVID-19 emergency, Messi and his Barcelona teammates took a 70 percent pay cut so that no Barcelona workers would have their wages docked.

Personal Life

Messi has been with Antonella Roccuzzo, a fellow Rosario native, since 2008. They have known each other since they were five years old and confirmed their relationship publicly in January 2009.

Messi and Roccuzzo got married in Rosario in June 2017. The couple has three children: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018).

Lionel remains very close to his immediate family, especially his mother, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder.

His professional affairs are run mostly as a family business. His father has been his agent since Messi was 14, and his older brother Rodrigo handles his publicity.