The Argentine icon built his fortune at Barça and continues to grow his wealth in France
Lionel Messi rose to financial prominence at Barcelona and today expands his earnings in France.
Messi became the highest paid player in the world in November 2017 after signing a new contract with Barcelona to extend his stay at the Camp Nou until 2021. He is one of the most recognizable and wealthiest faces in football and is now increasing his income as he enters the second year of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Estimating Messi’s exact net worth is challenging, but GOAL has compiled information from various publications and compared his earnings with those of Cristiano Ronaldo to offer a broader picture.
Contents
- What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?
- What is the Salary of Lionel Messi?
- What sponsorship deals does Lionel Messi have?
- What companies does Lionel Messi own?
- What charity work does Lionel Messi do?
- How many social media followers does Lionel Messi have?
What is the net worth of Leo Messi?
Messi’s net worth has been estimated around 400 million dollars in 2021. These figures are estimates, as many investments are not publicly disclosed.
Forbes ranked Messi first on its list of the 100 highest income athletes in 2019, noting earnings of about 127 million that year.
His ranking slipped to third on the 2020 Forbes list, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and the tennis star Roger Federer, a year when many industries faced disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic. Ronaldo rebounded to the top in 2021 with total earnings of around 120 million, while Conor McGregor led the list with approximately 180 million.
At PSG, Messi earns about 30 to 35 million euros per season, plus performance bonuses. His Barcelona contract previously included a weekly salary around 565,000 euros.
What sponsorship deals does Leo Messi have?
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Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi has numerous sponsorships. The major arrangement has long connected Messi with the makers of his football boots, while the Ronaldo-Raphael rivalry continues with adidas against Nike. In a notable parallel, Ronaldo signed a long term with Nike in 2016, a deal often compared to other high value endorsements, while Messi continues his relationship with adidas. The exact terms remain undisclosed, but reports suggest the partnership could extend through the end of his playing days.
Messi has also appeared in prominent ad campaigns with Pepsi, Gillette, and Turkish Airlines. Forbes estimated endorsement earnings around 35 million dollars in 2019, with figures remaining strong in 2021.
Recent sponsorships include Lay’s, SikSilk, Leafty, Jacob & Co., and Gatorade.
What kind of business does Lionel Messi have?
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Messi’s brand rests on a clean image of a dedicated footballer with little interest in a flashy off pitch lifestyle. While he does not own an underwear, shoe, or fragrance line like Ronaldo, he has invested in several ventures. In Rosario, Argentina, he supported the Azahares del Paraná project and owns an apartment building in the city center. Later, he broadened his interests into fashion with The Messi Store.
Like many footballers, Messi has invested in cryptocurrencies, tokens, and NFTs, partnering with a firm that collaborates with other famous players. As with most income streams, many investments remain private.
What charities does Messi support?
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Messi supports charitable efforts through his own Leo Messi Foundation, focusing on trusted causes. He requested wedding guests to donate to the foundation upon his marriage to Antonella. His work largely helps vulnerable children, and he was appointed UNICEF ambassador in 2010, continuing collaboration since 2004.
How many followers does Leo Messi have on social media?
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Messi maintains highly followed profiles on Facebook and Instagram, with a relatively quieter presence on Twitter. The Team Messi account is operated by Adidas, rather than Messi himself. He ranks among the most loved footballers on Facebook with a large audience and stands as one of the most followed male celebrities on Instagram, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo.
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