It is a testament to Lionel Messi’s enduring greatness that, at 38 years old and still competing at the highest level, he has reached a financial milestone that places him in the most exclusive club in sports. According to Forbes, Messi’s net worth is now estimated at a staggering $1.1 billion. This figure cements his status as one of only four active athletes in the world to have surpassed the billion-dollar mark, a list that includes his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as LeBron James and Tiger Woods. His journey from a working-class family in Rosario to the pinnacle of global sport has now culminated in a financial empire as legendary as his on-field achievements.
Messi’s ascent to billionaire status is not merely a result of his astronomical salaries but a carefully constructed portfolio of endorsements, investments, and savvy business decisions. In 2026, Forbes estimated his annual earnings at $140 million, a sum split evenly between his on-field compensation and his off-field commercial activities. This represents a remarkable feat, especially considering he reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, a decision that prioritized his family’s quality of life and a unique equity stake in the club over immediate, short-term gain. His presence in Miami has not only revitalized his career but has also proven to be a masterstroke in building his long-term wealth.
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The Billion-Dollar Balance Sheet
By 2026, the financial landscape of Lionel Messi is defined by his new contract with Inter Miami and his continued dominance in the endorsement world. In May 2026, Messi signed a contract extension with the MLS club that runs until 2029. The deal, which more than doubled his previous salary, includes a base salary of $25 million and a guaranteed compensation package of $28.3 million for the 2026 season, making him the highest-paid player in the league by a significant margin.
However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has previously hinted that Messi’s total annual income from the club, including commercial agreements and revenue-sharing, could be between $70 million and $80 million. This includes a groundbreaking revenue-sharing agreement with Apple TV for the MLS Season Pass, a novel financial structure that allows him to profit directly from the league’s growth.
Messi’s on-field earnings are complemented by an equally impressive roster of endorsement deals. His lifetime partnership with Adidas is considered one of the most lucrative in sports history. He also maintains lucrative relationships with a host of global brands, including Budweiser, Pepsi, Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe, and Lay’s. The 2026 World Cup has only amplified his commercial appeal, with the Argentine captain featuring prominently in global advertising campaigns for partners like Michelob Ultra and Lowe’s. This diversified income stream is the bedrock of his fortune, ensuring his wealth continues to grow even as his playing days wind down.
From Endorsements to a Business Empire
Beyond the pitch and the advertisement boards, Messi has meticulously built a business empire that secures his financial future. A significant portion of his net worth comes from a diverse range of investments and business ventures. He has expanded his portfolio to include MiM Hotels, The Messi Store, and the 525 Rosario media company. He also holds a stake in the Argentine restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa and launched his own energy drink, Mas+ by Messi, in 2024. Furthermore, he is a co-owner of the Spanish club UE Cornellà, demonstrating his interest in the business of football beyond his own playing career.
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Perhaps the most crucial element of Messi’s long-term wealth strategy is his option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami after he retires. This move echoes the blueprint set by David Beckham, who became a billionaire largely through his ownership stake in the same club. With the value of the franchise skyrocketing since Messi’s arrival, this equity position is poised to be a massive windfall that could significantly increase his net worth in the years to come. His real estate holdings, including a $10.5 million waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale, further solidify his status as a global investor.
As Messi continues to break records on the field and build his legacy off it, his $1.1 billion net worth stands as a powerful symbol of a career that has transcended the sport itself.
