lionel messi biography and net worth

Lionel Messi Net Worth

Lionel messi's salary.

• What Is Lionel Messi's Net Worth?
• Lionel Messi Salary And Contracts

$1 Billion Saudi Contract

Inter miami, adidas endorsement, visit saudi endorsement deal, 2022 world cup, personal life, real estate, what is lionel messi's net worth.

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian-born professional athlete who has a net worth of $850 million. Lionel Messi is often regarded as the best soccer player in the world and one of the best in history. He is certainly one of, if not THE, highest-paid player in history. Lionel Messi played for Barcelona from his teenage years through 2021. During his time with Barcelona, Lionel scored 672 goals in 778 games. On August 10, 2021, it was announced that Lionel would move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. He also plays for the Argentina National Team. On December 18, 2022, Lionel and the Argentina National team won the World Cup.

Messi is likely the highest-paid soccer player in the world and definitely one of the highest-paid athletes in the world overall. His earth-shattering 2017 contract with Barcelona gave Messi an average base annual salary of $168 million. He also earns roughly $70 million per year from endorsements, which meant under that contract he was making around $200 million per year. On June 7, 2023, Lionel announced that he was joining David Beckham's MLS team, Inter Miami, under a very unique deal that includes a revenue share of subscriptions sold by Apple's coverage of the MLS season and an ownership stake in the team. More details on this contract later in this article, but long story short, Lionel's base salary at Inter Miami is $60 million, and he will own 10% of the time at the end of his contract. That 10% stake could be worth $200 million or more if the team maintains its value after he retires.

Despite what you might have read in some lower-quality sources, Lionel Messi is NOT A BILLIONAIRE. By the time his contract with Barcelona was over, with endorsements, Lionel had earned north of $1.6 billion. By our count, he has earned around $1.2 billion in salary to date and $400 million from endorsements. Some outlets misread that stat about his overall earnings exceeding $1 billion and faslely declared him a "billionaire."

• Barcelona contract paid him $160 million per year
• Makes $40-60 million per year from endorsements
• Is the highest paid athlete on the planet
• Total annual income typically tops $200 million
• Has earned over $1.6 billion in his career from all sources
• Has earned around $900m in salary
• Has earned around $400 million from endorsements

Lionel Messi Salary and Contracts

When he was at his peak with Barcelona, Lionel Messi was easily the highest-paid soccer player in the world. In 2017, he signed a contract with Barcelona that paid a base salary of $168 million. His contract numbers were a closely guarded secret for several years, but in January 2021, the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" published the leaked contract details. Under a previous contract, his annual base salary was $44.68 million.

In August 2021, Lionel signed with Paris Saint-Germain. His initial contract is a two-year deal that works out to $75 million per year before taxes, roughly $40 million after taxes. Messi's contract also allowed him to earn additional bonuses based on milestones and a cut of jersey sales.

Messi earns an additional $70 million every year from endorsements. He has a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas.

In May 2023, it was reported that Lionel Messi was on the verge of signing a $1 billion contract with an unnamed Saudi Pro League team. The deal would reportedly pay Lionel a salary of $400 MILLION per season. If true, that annual salary would have nearly doubled the 2.5-year, $535 million deal that Cristiano Ronaldo accepted in December of 2022 from a Saudi Pro League team called Al Nassr. Lionel ultimately rejected this offer and instead signed with David Beckham's MLS team Inter Miami.

On June 7, 2023, it was reported that Messi intended to sign with Inter Miami of MLS, the David Beckham co-owned American franchise. Reportedly, the deal would pay him a salary of $1.03 million per week ($54 million a year) over four years. In an interesting twist, Messi's Miami contract will be supplemented by a rev share of subscriptions sold by Apple to its MLS Season Pass. It was later revealed that Lionel's Inter Miami contract pays him $60 million per year in salary and gave him a 10% stake in the team, a team that has been valued at as much as $2 billion.

Being as he is 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 was originally signed with Nike at age 14 but switched to Adidas. In 2008, Messi had a long-running signature collection of Adidas boots and received his own sub-brand of boots called Adidas Messi.

According to a contract that was leaked in June 2023, back in January 2021, Lionel signed a three-year contract that has the ability to pay him $25 million to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia . The contract requires Lionel to do the following:

• #1) Take an annual vacation to Saudi Arabia. He can bring up to 20 friends. All expenses are paid, including travel and five-star accommodations. The vacation must last a minimum of five days.
• #2) Make ten social media posts per year that promote Saudi Arabia using hashtags that are approved by the kingdom.
• #3) Participate in an annual tourism ad campaign. Last year that meant appearing in a single promotional video for Visit Saudi.

For #2 and #3 above, he is paid $2 million per obligation per year. He can then make another $2 million per year to participate in "charitable work."

Total it all up, and over three years, Lionel can earn $25 million for relatively little work. But there is one condition: According to the contract viewed by the Times, Lionel "cannot say anything that might 'tarnish' Saudi Arabia.'"

Francois Nel/Getty Images

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was a factory steelworker, and his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, was a part-time cleaner. He is close to his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a sister, Maria Sol, and the family would constantly play soccer together along with their cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom went on to become professional footballers as well. Messi joined the Rosario soccer club when he was just six years old and played for Newell's Old Boys.

When Lionel was ten, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and his father could no longer afford medical treatment for him. Newell's agreed to contribute but later took back their promise. The Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, Carles Rexach, offered to pay the medical bills if Messi could move to Spain. With Lionel's father's approval, Rexach drew up a contract on a paper napkin, and the family moved to Barcelona in February 2001. They moved into an apartment near Camp Nou, the club's stadium. Messi suffered homesickness after his mother and siblings returned to Rosario while he stayed in Barcelona with his father. After a year, Messi was enrolled in the Royal Spanish Football Federation, where he became a part of the "Baby Dream Team," Barcelona's greatest collection of young soccer players.

At the age of 17, Lionel made his league debut against RCD Espanyol and became the third-youngest person ever to play for FC Barcelona. At that time, he was also the youngest player to ever score for Barcelona. During the 2005-2006 season, Messi began being paid as a first-team member and also got his Spanish citizenship. He also made his debut in the Spanish First Division league. Messi received a standing ovation during his first match after he scored alongside superstar Ronaldinho . Out of his seventeen League appearances, he scored six goals. He scored one goal in six for the Champions League. In 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA World Cup.

After the World Cup, in the 2006-2007 season, Messi was injured with a broken metatarsal, which took three months to heal. He was back in the game against Racing Santander as a second-hand substitute. In March of that season, he scored a hat trick against Real Madrid, which made him the first player since Ivan Zamorano to do so in the El Clasico. In the 2007-2008 season, Messi led Barcelona into the top four of La Liga. He won the nomination, as a forward, for a FIFA ProWorld XI Player Award, and the Marca newspaper named him the best player in the world. Other newspapers followed and stated that Lionel should be awarded the Ballon d'Or. He finally won his first in 2009, at age 22, and went on to win three more in a row each year. He also obtained an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2012, he set the La Liga and European records for most goals scored in a single season. This sealed his fate as Barcelona's all-time top scorer. In the next two seasons, Messi, now the team captain for Barcelona, finished second for the Ballon d'Or behind career rival Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2014, Messi led Argentina to the finals of the World Cup, for which he also won the Golden Ball. Lionel announced his retirement in 2016 but reversed his decision and led Argentina to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They also finished third at the 2019 Copa America. In 2019, Messi secured a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or.

On December 18, Lionel and his Argentina teammates defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final. Not including penalty kicks, Lionel had two goals in the game, which went to over time and then a shootout.

Getty Images

Messi is the founder of the Leo Messi Foundation, which helps find better opportunities for underprivileged children regarding education and health care. He started the charity in 2007 following a visit to a Boston children's hospital, an experience that he has said deeply changed him. His foundation, with the help of Herbalife, helps to pay for medical treatment, transportation and recuperation for children diagnosed with major medical problems. Messi is also the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since March 2010. He completed a field mission for UNICEF, traveling to Haiti to bring public awareness to the plight of the country's children following the recent earthquake.

Lionel also does individual fundraising activities such as global football matches and raising money for various charities. Messi financially supports many youth football clubs in Argentina, such as Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell's, River Plate, and Boca Junior. At his boyhood club, Newell's, Messi funded the construction of a new gym and dorm inside the club stadium in 2012. His former coach there is employed by the Messi Foundation and works as a talent scout for young players.

In March 2020, Messi made a $1 million donation to help fight the spread of coronavirus. In addition, Lionel and his fellow Barcelona Football Club teammates took a 70 percent cut in their salaries during the COVID-19 emergency. They did this so that no Barcelona workers would have their wages docked during the global emergency.

Messi has been with Antonella Roccuzzo , a fellow Rosario native, since 2008. They have known each other since they were five years old. They confirmed their romance publicly in January 2009. Messi and Roccuzzo got married in Rosario in June 2007. The couple has three children: Thiago (b. 2012), Matero (b. 2015), and Ciro (b. 2018). Lionel is still very close to his immediate family members, especially his mother. He has her face tattooed on his left shoulder. His professional affairs are run mostly as a family business, with his father having been his agent since Messi was 14. His older brother Rodrigo handles his publicity.

In 2009, Messi paid $2 million for a home in a Barcelona neighborhood called Pedrables. He then spent millions on renovations and upgrades. The home is estimated to be worth $7 – $10 million today.

In November 2019, Lionel paid $5 million for a condo in Miami. In April 2021, he paid $7.3 million for the entire ninth floor of a different building in Miami.

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Lionel Messi is among the highest-paid athletes on the planet. Here's his net worth and how he makes and spends his millions.

• Lionel Messi is among the highest-paid athletes on the planet.
• He took home $130 million between May 2022 and May 2023, according to Forbes .
• Here's how the Argentinian soccer legend makes and spends his considerable fortune.

Lionel Messi is one of the most famous athletes on the planet.

He's also one of the wealthiest.

With an unprecedented eight Ballon d'Ors to his name and a World Cup title added to his list of accolades, the Argentine soccer legend is undeniably the most decorated man in his sport. And all that success on the pitch has come with an incredible fortune.

Messi ranks second on Forbes' list of the year's highest-paid athletes, having raked in a whopping $130 million between May 2022 and May 2023. Having landed within the top-five highest-earning athletes on that list every year since 2014, the Inter Miami star has amassed a massive net worth that allows him to life a life of luxury.

Here's how he makes and spends his millions:

Lionel Messi makes a ton of money on the field.

Messi took home a mind-boggling $65 million in on-field earnings over the last year — more than all but one soccer player on the planet.

His Inter Miami salary alone is worth $20,446,667 annually, per AP News , which means he earns roughly $393,000 per week or $56,000 per day from the Major League Soccer club. And those metrics don't even include Messi's added income from his signing bonus and equity in the team, which may add up to a whopping $150 million over 2.5 years, according to Sportico .

Plus, joining the US-based league reportedly came with incentives from MLS' partners — Adidas and Apple TV — so his total income is likely closer to $200 million.

The Argentine also earns plenty of money away from the pitch.

Messi's off-field earnings of $65 million   over the last year can only be topped by tennis icon Roger Federer, fellow soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, and NBA legend LeBron James , per Forbes .

On top of a $20 million-a-year partnership  with cryptocurrency "fan token" platform Socios — which he inked in March 2022, according to Forbes — the 36-year-old's endorsement portfolio includes deals with Budweiser, Gatorade, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Mastercard, and PepsiCo. In 2021, Messi also became Hard Rock International's first-ever athlete brand ambassador.

But the crown jewel of Messi's already-lucrative endorsement portfolio is his gargantuan deal with Adidas. The sportswear giant has long sponsored the speedy superstar, but in 2017, he signed a new contract with the brand for a reported $25 million annually , for life .

Messi is estimated to have a net worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Though no official measure of Messi's total fortune is publicly available, sources like Newsweek and Goal estimate that his net worth falls somewhere between $400 million and $600 million.

In 2022, Forbes also reported that the soccer great had earned a whopping $1.15 billion  — yes, with a B — over the course of his career. Only three currently active athletes – LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tiger Woods – have ever earned more. Just two additional athletes — Roger Federer and Floyd Mayweather — exceeded $1 billion while they were active in their careers, per Forbes.

Messi likes to spend his money on luxury cars.

According to Goal, Messi's impressive car collection includes a $2 million Pagani Zonda Tricolore, a Ferrari F430 Spyder, a Dodge Charger SRT8, and a Maserati Gran Turismo.

The Argentine is rumored to have bought the most expensive car ever, a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Spider Scaglietti, for $37 million in 2016. He appeared to deny the speculation, however, by way of an Instagram post in which he shared a photo of himself holding up a toy car with the caption, "My new car."

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

He owns a host of stunning properties.

Messi has a rather luxurious real estate portfolio, which includes his stunning $7 million mansion on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Located in the exclusive, no-fly zone suburb of Castelldefels, the property includes a pool, indoor gym, theater, and spa. The home also boasts stunning views of the Catalan mountains and the nearby beach, according to Architectural Digest.

There's also a football pitch where Messi likes to kick a ball around with his dog, Hulk.

Messi also owns an "eco-house" themed around his career, a mansion in his home town of Rosario, Argentina, and the entire floor of a luxury condominium in Saint Isles Beach, Florida, which he paid $7.3 million for in 2021,  according to The Real Deal .

Once he decided to sign with Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi moved his family into a $10.75 million waterfront mansion in nearby Fort Lauderdale, per WPTV . The eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom home has a three-car garage, outdoor pool with a waterfall, and plenty of space for his three sons to spread out.

Messi has also invested in a number of hotels.

Since 2017, Messi has owned the hotel chain MiM Hotels, operated by Majestic Hotel Group, which has resorts in Ibiza, Majorca, and more.

In 2021, the chain opened its first winter resort in the the heart of the Pyrenees, in the Aran Valley.

The four-star hotel has 141 rooms and includes a spa, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and mountain guide services, according to Forbes .

The brand also had a hotel in Barcelona, but it's since been shut down. Messi bought the building in 2017 for $35 million, at which point its demolition had already been approved because its balconies are too big.

He was unable to fix the issue, as any attempt to remove or downsize the balconies could result in the hotel collapsing.

Whoops. 

To get around the world, Messi flies in his $15 million private jet.

Messi's 2004 Gulfstream V private jet, includes two kitchens and bathrooms, and can accommodate up to sixteen passengers, according to the South Morning China Post.

It features the number 10 – his shirt number from his time at Barcelona – on its tail and the names of his wife, Antonella, and their children on its steps.

—Xinhua Sports (@XHSports) December 11, 2018

He likes to vacation in Ibiza.

Last summer, Messi celebrated his 35th birthday with his family at the Ushuaia, a beach hotel in Ibiza.

The soccer star's former Barcelona teammates Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez and their wives also joined.

Messi is very generous with his wealth.

The Lionel Messi Foundation, formed in 2007 in partnership with UNICEF, helps vulnerable children around the world.

In 2017, Messi donated his own money to help the foundation build classrooms for 1,600 war-orphaned children in Syria, according to UNICEF,  while in 2019, the foundation donated $218,000 to provide food and water for citizens in Kenya, reports Goal .

A post shared by Fundación Leo Messi (@fundacionleomessi)

"It excites me every day that I get a child smiling, when he thinks there is hope, when I see that they feel happy," reads a statement from Messi on the foundation's website.

"That's why we decided to create the Leo Messi Foundation, and I will continue to fight to make the children happy with the same strength and dedication that I need to continue being a soccer player."

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What Lionel Messi’s Move to Inter Miami Could Mean for His Net Worth

According to Forbes , Messi is the world’s second highest-paid athlete.

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Soccer superstar Lionel Messi —the most prized free agent in sports—is coming to the United States.

BBC Radio contributor Guillem Balague first reported Wednesday the 35-year-old Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has decided to sign with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer for next season. Messi confirmed the news to two Spanish media outlets, according to ESPN .

Although Inter Miami hasn’t made an official announcement, the MLS released a statement Wednesday saying, “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”

Messi’s contract with current French Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of this month, sparking rampant speculation about where the star scorer, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in December, would continue his career. A move to the MLS would mark one of the biggest boosts in star power in league history, comparable to David Beckham ’s decision to leave Real Madrid for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

Messi is already a global superstar—with 469 million Instagram followers—and one of the richest athletes in the world, so how would a move to America affect him financially? Let’s take a look at the numbers.

What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth?

Messi is second on Forbes ’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, released in early May. Messi earned $130 million in on- and off-field revenue over the past year, behind only fellow soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million).

Additionally, Forbes reported in June 2022 that Messi had earned $1.15 billion over the course of his career—fourth all-time among athletes from all sports. He’s only behind golfer Tiger Woods , Ronaldo, and NBA superstar LeBron James .

Celebrity Net Worth estimates Messi’s overall net worth to be roughly $600 million.

How Would an MLS Move Affect Messi?

At least in terms of on-field earnings, Messi’s cash flow would likely increase in the MLS. SPORT reported last week that Inter Miami offered Messi a four-year contract averaging $54 million—larger than the reported $41 million value of his last extension with Paris Saint-Germain. However, the PSG deal also included a $30 million signing bonus and money from player image rights.

Financial terms of any potential contract between Messi and Miami were unknown as of Wednesday afternoon, but The Athletic reported that MLS television partner Apple and clothing sponsor Adidas each offered him profit-sharing agreements to entice him to join the club.

Messi earns additional millions through a number of high-profile endorsements. In 2022, he signed a deal with fan engagement app Socios expected to net him $20 million annually. Messi is also partnered with PepsiCo, Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe, and Mastercard. He already netted a lifetime deal with Adidas worth $25 million annually, according to Insider .

Messi also has his own clothing brand and opened a retail store in Barcelona, Spain, in 2019.

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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Lionel Messi: Everything You Need To Know About The Football Player

Arguably one of the most globally recognized football player, Lionel Andrés Messi, also known as Leo Messi, is a professional footballer who leads Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina National Team as a forward. He is not only considered as Argentina’s greatest player of all time but also enjoys a massive global fan following. Messi boasts seven Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes, earning recognition as the best in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team of 2020.  

He has nearly 750 goals for club and country, and holds the record for most goals scored by a person for a single club, which was for his former team, FC Barcelona. At the age of 22, he won his first Ballon d’Or. Messi has a huge bank account, but he is generally very private about his financial situation.

Table of Contents

• Born: June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina
• Birth name: Lionel Andrés Messi
• Nicknames: La Pulga, Leo Messi, The G.O.A.T
• Height: 5′ 6¾″ (1.69 m)

Forbes estimates Messi’s net worth to be about $600 million (£464 million), with his total career earnings predicted to be $1.28 billion in 2023. These statistics, however, are speculative, especially given that his business activities are not generally recognised.

The World Cup winner came in second on Forbes’ 2023 list of the highest paid athlete in the world , with claimed earnings of $130 million, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo , whose move to Saudi Arabia helped him top the list.

Personal Life:

Lionel Messi’s family has a long history with football. He is the son of manufacturing steel worker Jorge Horacio Messi and part-time cleaner Celia Maria Cuccittini. Messi is the eldest of three children, with two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and one sister, Maria Sol.

Football was a shared passion in their family, with brothers and cousins frequently participating. Notably, Messi’s cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi followed professional football careers.

Messi has a deep link with his immediate family, so much so that he has a tattoo of his mother’s face on his left shoulder. His father has been his agent his entire life, and his brother Rodrigo handles all of his Public Relations (PR) and publicity-related issues.

In terms of his personal life, Lionel began dating Antonella Roccuzzo in 2008. Despite having known each other for much of their lives, the pair announced their relationship in January 2009. The couple finally married in Rosario in June of 2007. In fact, they have three lovely children named Thiago (born in 2012), Matero (born in 2015), and Ciro (born in 2018).

International- On 17 th August, 2005(Argentina against Hungary)

Club- On 16 th October, 2004 (FC Barcelona against Espanyol)

1992-1995: Grandoli (Argentina)

1995-2000: Newell’s Old Boys (Argentina)

2000-2021: Barcelona (Spain)

2021-2023: PSG (France)

2023-current: Inter Miami (USA)

Top Achievements:

• Youngest two-time and three-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner (at 23 and 24 years old).
• Holder of the most UEFA Best Player in Europe awards (2009, 2011, 2015).
• Recipient of the most La Liga Best Player awards (2009-2013, 2015).
• Record holder for one of the highest goal scorers for both country and club in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012).
• Leading all-time goalscorer in La Liga (312 goals).
• Co-holder of the top goalscorer title in the FIFA Club World Cup (shared with Luis Suárez and César Delgado).
• Joint record holder for the most hat-tricks scored in a La Liga season (8 in 2011-2012, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo).
• The only player in La Liga to score against all rival teams in a row (30 goals in 19 matches in 2012-13).
• Multiple-time recipient of the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball Award.
• Youngest player to achieve 200 goals in La Liga in 2013.
• Sole player to secure the top-scorer position in 5 UEFA Champions League seasons (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015).
• Record holder for the most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League, with five to his name.
• Youngest player to reach 100 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, achieving this feat at the age of 28 years and 84 days in 2015.
• All-time top-goalscorer of Argentina.
• All-time record scorer for a single club, surpassing Pele with his 644th goal in December 2020.

Awards & Achievements:

• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009
• UEFA Goal of the Season (2006–07, 2014–15, 2015–16)
• La Liga Best Player (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15)
• FIFA Club World Cup Final Most Valuable Player (MVP): 2009, 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011
• FIFA Ballon d’Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019
• European Golden Boot: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014
• UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award: 2011, 2015
• Best FIFA Men’s Player Award: 2023

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Lionel Messi net worth: Career earnings, wages, sponsorship deals of Inter Miami star in 2024 and how it compares to Ronaldo

Lionel Messi stands among the pantheon of the greatest players in history, and his remarkable net worth and earnings over the years reflect his unparalleled career success.

During almost two decades as a professional athlete, Messi has represented Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami.

In their latest rankings released last year,  Forbes  positioned the Argentina international as the second highest-paid athlete globally behind only arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, a testament to both players' on-field success.

Ronaldo was the top-ranked global superstar in 2023 with $136 million total earnings, compared to Messi's estimated $130 million.

Beyond the pitch, Messi has ventured into entrepreneurship with his own clothing line and boasts a career-long partnership with adidas.

Here, The Sporting News delves into the details of his wages, career earnings and the intricacies of his contract with Inter Miami.

MORE:  Watch Lionel Messi with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Lionel Messi net worth and earnings

According to Forbes' data, Messi raked in an astronomical $65 million in on-field earnings over the 2023 cycle, surpassing nearly every other soccer player worldwide.

His annual salary with Inter Miami alone stands at an impressive $20,446,667, as reported by AP. That translates to approximately $393,000 per week or $56,000 per day from his involvement with the Major League Soccer club.

Notably, those figures exclude any additional earnings from his signing bonus and equity in the team, which could potentially accumulate to a staggering $150 million over a span of 2.5 years, according to Sportico.

Additionally, his move to the US reportedly came with lucrative incentives from MLS partners adidas and Apple TV. As a result, his overall income is estimated to be in the region of $200 million.

His net worth is supposedly estimated to be around $600 million, according to Forbes. 

MLS’ deal to bring Messi to Inter Miami is WILD 🤯 @brfootball He could earn a share of Apple’s MLS Season Pass revenue AND get a cut of Adidas profits after his arrival Wow. (h/t @TheAthletic ) pic.twitter.com/tIucmKrSXX — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 7, 2023

Lionel Messi wages and contract at Inter Miami

At the time Messi put pen to paper in Miami, details about the contract were not publicised. However, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas shed light on the terms in an exclusive discussion with a select group of journalists.

Messi's contract is valid until the end of the 2025 MLS season, but there is the option to extend for a further year. Miami is set to compensate Messi in the range of $50-$60 million annually.

As reported by The Athletic and confirmed by Mas, Apple and adidas, possibly joined by Fanatics, are contributing additional perks to the deal.

Apple is offering a share of the revenue from MLS Season Pass subscriptions. At the same time, adidas has apparently crafted a profit-sharing arrangement, entitling Messi to receive a portion of the profits resulting from his move.

Brad is a content producer for The Sporting News and has previously worked for the likes of Squawka and The Athletic. His career highlight to date is reporting from the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final in Paris.

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How Lionel Messi's Net Worth Has Changed Over the Years

Lionel Messi has ruffled a few feathers in the soccer world by joining Major League Soccer team Inter Miami from European giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Hailed as arguably the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time)—having won soccer's top honor, the Ballon d'Or, on seven occasions—it is hoped Messi's arrival in the United States will boost soccer's profile in the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is being jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Messi became a World Cup winner for the first time in December 2022 after Argentina beat France in the final in Qatar.

His move to the U.S. is not coming cheap, with Inter Miami reportedly shelling out $150 million over two-and-a-half seasons.

According to Forbes, Messi was the highest paid athlete in the world in 2022, earning $75 million for playing, as well as $55 million in endorsements and sponsorships.

Soccer finance expert, Kieran Maguire, talked about Messi's move to Miami and what the MLS team can expect in return in an interview with British podcaster Matt Haycox .

Maguire said: "He will certainly shift tickets in his first season, but if Inter Miami make little progress in winning matches there is a danger of the appeal tailing off quickly. Certainly, sponsors will be keen to have his image alongside their products, but celebrity sporting endorsements are a crowded market."

Soccer proved to be a goldmine for Messi after he joined Spanish club FC Barcelona in 2000, moving to Catalonia from Argentina when he was only 13.

It has been reported that his combined salary over two decades in Spain was in the region of $875 million.

In the summer of 2021, Messi moved to France , signing for PSG for $30 million a year on a two-year contract.

Away from playing, the Argentine forward has signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals, with brands clamoring to be associated with him as his stock on the field began rising.

Messi signed a deal with clothing giants Adidas in 2006, which was converted to a lifetime deal in 2017, and earns him a reported $25 million a year.

The soccer star also endorses Budweiser, Gatorade, Konami, PUBG Mobile, Pepsi and Mastercard.

His move to Inter Miami involved contributions from two of MLS' biggest commercial partners— Apple TV, who current hold the broadcasting rights, and Adidas.

Over the past 10 years as a whole, Messi saw his on-field earnings more than double, with him reportedly pocketing $22.7 million a year back in 2013, which jumped to $78 million a year in his final seasons at Barcelona.

However, his salary dropped during his time with PSG and the $54 million he will get from Inter Miami is down over $20 million from his Barcelona heyday but still means he won't be short of a few dollars as he settles in Florida.

• David Beckham crying after Lionel Messi scores winner viewed 11m times
• Inside unauthorized Saudi break that got Lionel Messi suspended
• Piers Morgan accuses Lionel Messi of gloating over World Cup—'We get it'

Update 7/27/23, 5:55 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a link to Kieran Maguire's interview with Matt Haycox.

Do you have a tip on a sports story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about Lionel Messi? Let us know via [email protected] .

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Lionel Messi Net Worth: Biography, Personal Life, Career

Lionel messi net worth, biography.

With his unrivaled talent, groundbreaking achievements, and mass global appeal, Lionel Messi stands out as soccer’s greatest modern superstar. His success on the pitch has earned him immense financial rewards as well. This article explores Messi’s upbringing, career, honors, endorsements, investments, and record-high net worth.

Table of Contents

Ket Takeaways

Here is a summary of the key points about Lionel Messi’s biography, personal life, and career:

• Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. Began playing soccer from a young age.
• Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child, which FC Barcelona agreed to pay treatment for if he moved to Spain and joined their youth academy.
• Debuted for Barcelona’s first team in 2004 at age 17. Went on to become their all-time top scorer with 672 goals and led them to numerous trophies including 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles.
• Key achievements include record 7 Ballon d’Or awards, 6 European Golden Shoes, and 6 FIFA Player of the Year awards. Holds records for most goals scored in a calendar year (91), most hat-tricks in La Liga (36), and most assists in La Liga (192).
• Played for Argentina’s national team from 2005-2016, then returned from retirement to lead them to 2021 Copa America win and 2022 FIFA World Cup win, receiving Golden Ball at both tournaments. Argentina’s all-time top scorer.
• Married Antonella Roccuzzo, his childhood friend, in 2017. They have three sons together – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
• Signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, winning two Ligue 1 titles. Joined Inter Miami in 2023.
• Has lucrative sponsorship deals with Adidas, Pepsi, Gillette, and more. Among the highest paid athletes in the world, with career earnings over $1 billion.

Messi’s Early Life in Argentina

Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Andrés Messi came from an athletic family. His father worked in a steel factory and coached local youth soccer teams. Messi joined his first team at age 5.

At 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. The costly hormone injections needed to treat his condition nearly jeopardized his soccer career. However, Barcelona’s top club eventually agreed to pay for his treatment and moved him to Spain to join its youth academy.

Becoming Barcelona’s Shining Star

Messi’s prodigious talent became undeniable during his ascent through Barcelona’s youth teams. At 17, he made his La Liga debut for Barcelona’s senior squad in 2004.

In his first full season, Messi netted 8 league goals. Then in the 2006-07 season, he scored a remarkable 17 goals and led Barcelona to a La Liga title. It marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented dominance for the club catalyzed by Messi’s brilliance.

With his combination of speed, precise skill, and lethal finishing ability, Messi matured into the lynchpin of Barcelona’s offense. His exhilarating individual displays on the ball earned him the nickname “The Flea.”

By 2009, the 22-year-old Messi earned his first of a record seven Ballon d’Or awards recognizing the world’s best player. His exploits led Barcelona to a historic sextuple of trophies that year.

Shattering Records for Barcelona

As Messi entered his prime, his domination reached new heights. He scored a jaw-dropping 73 goals in all competitions during the 2011-12 season. His 50 league goals that season set a new European record.

In 2012, Messi netted a remarkable 91 goals overall, surpassing German legend Gerd Müller’s 40-year-old calendar year scoring record. With his combination of creativity and clinical scoring, Messi was simply unstoppable match after match.

During his 17-season tenure with Barcelona, Messi broke essentially every significant club goalscoring mark, including:

• Most goals in La Liga history (474)
• Most goals in a La Liga season (50)
• Most goals in El Clásico vs. Real Madrid (26)
• Most goals in UEFA Champions League history (120)

With Messi as the centerpiece, Barcelona won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa Del Rey crowns, and 4 Champions Leagues from 2005 to 2021. His 672 goals for the club may never be matched.

International Stardom with Argentina

Despite his club success with Barcelona, honors eluded Messi with the Argentine national team for years. He helped lead Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, but they lost 1-0 to Germany in extra time.

In 2016, Messi stunnedly announced his retirement from international soccer after Argentina again lost to Chile in the Copa America final. But he returned to spearhead their 2018 World Cup efforts.

After four World Cup appearances and six Copa Americas without a title, Messi finally led Argentina to glory by winning the 2021 Copa America. At age 34, he fulfilled his long-sought dream of winning his first major crown for his homeland.

Transferring to PSG and Milestones in Ligue 1

In August 2021, Messi shocked soccer fans by transferring to Paris Saint-Germain after Barcelona’s financial turmoil meant they could not re-sign him. The move closed his illustrious 17-year Barcelona career.

Despite a slow start, Messi soon found his scoring form for the French champions. On December 22, 2021, he recorded his 757th career goal to break the all-time scoring record previously held by Pelé.

Messi went on to win Ligue 1 Best Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season. But his main focus is leading PSG to its first-ever Champions League title.

Every football viewer loves Messi. People wear his t-shirts, Jewelry and even use the wallpapers. Messi 4k wallpapers have become a popular choice for many, as they offer a visually captivating tribute to his brilliance on and off the field. These wallpapers often capture the essence of Messi’s dynamic playing style, his infectious smile, and his numerous accolades.

Analyzing Lionel Messi’s Wealth

• Current Salary :  $75 million per year with PSG through 2024
• Career Earnings:  Over $1 billion since 2005
• Endorsements:  $35 million annually from sponsorships like Adidas, PepsiCo, Budweiser, and more
• Net Worth Estimate:  Approximately $620 million

Messi’s combination of record-high salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and investments has made him soccer’s richest player. His net worth is expected to keep rising through the end of his playing career and into retirement.

Messi’s Legacy in Soccer

Lionel Messi has crafted an astounding legacy as the greatest goalscorer and arguably the most dominant player the sport has ever seen. His vision, technique, creativity, consistency, and championship pedigree establish him as a soccer legend for the ages.

Messi’s impact has stretched from his record-shattering feats with Barcelona to bringing glory to Argentina. While soccer fans eagerly anticipate each match to witness more Messi magic before he retires, his indelible mark on the game is already set.

Career Beginnings and Early Success

Messi’s career began with his start in soccer at a young age, and he quickly found success after joining Newells Old Boys academy. At the age of 13, Messi caught the attention of Barcelona coach Carles Rexach during a trial match.

Impressed by his skills, Rexach immediately offered him a contract with the club. Messi made his debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to ever play for the club. His early success continued as he played a vital role in Argentina’s triumph in the 2008 Olympics.

This marked the beginning of Messi’s rise to stardom, setting the stage for his incredible achievements with Barcelona and the national team.

Rise to Stardom and Achievements With Barcelona

During his time with Barcelona, Messi achieved numerous accolades and set multiple records, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Messi’s rise to stardom began with his emergence as Barcelona’s new superstar. He quickly became the driving force behind the team’s success, leading them to their first treble in club history. Messi played a pivotal role in the treble-winning team, showcasing his exceptional skills and scoring ability.

Throughout his career, he continued to break records and win individual awards, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles. One of his most notable achievements with Barcelona was the first sextuple in soccer history, where the team won six major trophies in one season.

Messi’s incredible performances and achievements with Barcelona cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport.

Challenges With the National Team and Last Successful Years With Barcelona

In his last three successful years with Barcelona, Messi faced several challenges with the national team, including disappointments in the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Copa America. Despite being one of the best players in the world, Messi struggled to replicate his club’s success on the international stage. Some of the challenges he faced include:

• Lack of team cohesion and chemistry: Messi struggled to find the same level of understanding and chemistry with his national teammates as he did with his Barcelona teammates.
• High expectations and pressure: As the face of Argentine football, Messi faced immense pressure and expectations to deliver success for his country. This added pressure often led to criticism and comparisons with legendary Argentine player Diego Maradona.

Despite these challenges, Messi continued to give his all for the national team. While success with Argentina remained elusive, he enjoyed tremendous success with Barcelona during this period, winning numerous domestic and international titles.

Redemption With Argentina and New Adventure in Paris

After winning the Copa America in 2021, Lionel Messi embarked on a new adventure in Paris by signing with Paris Saint-Germain. This move marked a significant change in Messi’s career, as he left FC Barcelona after spending his entire professional career at the club.

Joining Paris Saint-Germain allowed Messi to continue competing at the highest level and chase new titles. However, his start in Paris wasn’t without its challenges. Messi faced initial struggles as he adapted to a new team, league, and playing style. Nevertheless, his determination to prove himself in his new club remained strong.

With the support of his teammates and coaches, Messi aimed to make a mark in Paris and continue adding to his impressive list of achievements.

Legacy and Impact on the World of Soccer

Throughout his illustrious career, Lionel Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of soccer and his impact on the sport is undeniable. Messi’s legacy and influence can be seen in various aspects of the game:

Playing Style:

• Messi’s unique style of play, characterized by his exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and agility, has inspired countless young players to emulate his technique.
• His ability to change the course of a game single-handedly has made him a role model for aspiring footballers worldwide.

Records and Achievements:

• Messi holds numerous records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year and the most goals in a single season in Europe’s top leagues.
• His six Ballon d’Or awards highlight his dominance and consistent excellence throughout his career.

Messi’s impact extends beyond the field, as he’s used his platform for charitable initiatives and social causes, further solidifying his legacy as not just a phenomenal player, but also a role model and ambassador for the sport.

How Does Lionel Messi’s Net Worth Compare to Reese Witherspoon’s?

Lionel Messi’s net worth towers over Reese Witherspoon’s. As a world-renowned soccer player, Messi has amassed a staggering net worth of $400 million, while Reese Witherspoon’s net worth is estimated at a still impressive $200 million. The two may be in different industries, but Messi’s wealth surpasses that of the talented actress.

FAQs About Lionel Messi

How many goals has messi scored in his career.

As of February 2023, Lionel Messi has scored 798 career goals for club and country. This includes 672 goals for Barcelona and 98 goals for Argentina.

How much does Messi make a week?

Currently with PSG, Lionel Messi has a salary of around $75 million per year. That equates to roughly $1.44 million per week.

What major trophies has Messi won?

Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards. With Barcelona he won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copas del Rey, and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues. For Argentina, he finally won a major international title with the 2021 Copa América.

How many Champions Leagues has Messi won?

Messi has won four UEFA Champions League titles – in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015 – all during his tenure with Barcelona.

Why did Messi leave Barcelona?

In 2021, Barcelona lost Messi as a free agent due to the club’s financial turmoil. Barcelona’s ballooning debts meant they could not re-sign Messi and stay within La Liga’s salary spending limits, forcing his shocking exit after 17 seasons.

What tattoo does Messi have?

Messi has a tattoo of his son’s name and handprints on his left calf. He also has a tattoo on his left shoulder showing his mother’s face.

How much is Messi’s house worth?

Messi owns a luxury mansion called Hotel MiM Sitges outside Barcelona worth over $8 million. He bought the hotel boutique property for $7.3 million in 2017. The mansion has a gym, spa, indoor pool, and more.

What businesses does Messi own?

Messi owns a portfolio of investments and businesses outside soccer. He has his own fashion brand MGO, a chain of gyms, a luxury hotel, wine companies, a restaurant, and real estate holdings across Europe.

How much money does Messi donate?

Messi engages in extensive philanthropy, especially for children’s charities. He has donated over $5 million to charitable causes like Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and the Red Cross through his Leo Messi Foundation.

Final Thoughts

Lionel Messi’s brilliance and achievements in soccer have made him a global icon. With his combination of athletic prowess and technical skill, Messi dominated for nearly two decades at Barcelona while earning a fortune in salary and sponsorships along the way.

His career continues at the highest level with PSG as he eyes more trophies and records. Messi’s legacy as the greatest of all time is firmly cemented.

Russell Levi is a versatile writer exploring myriad topics across categories. With a journalistic background and insatiable curiosity, Russell delivers engaging content spanning tech, finance, travel, and lifestyle. His concise yet informative style offers readers a diverse range of insights, making every visit to his blog an enriching experience.

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Lionel Messi top of Forbes money list in 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo second

• Published 14 September 2020

Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Barcelona since his failed attempt to leave the club last week, playing in their friendly with Gimnastic de Tarragona

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has topped the Forbes list for highest-earning footballers in 2020.

Forbes estimated , external Messi’s yearly earnings at $126m (£97.2m) with Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo second on $117m (£90.3m).

Neymar was in third with Paris St-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe fourth.

Three Premier League players – Mohamed Salah, Paul Pogba and David de Gea – made the top 10, as did Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale.

Welshman Bale came eighth in the list at $29m (£22.4m) despite a disappointing 2019-20 season, on a personal level, which saw him fall out with Real boss Zinedine Zidane and only feature in two of his club’s last 14 matches of the campaign.

Liverpool forward Salah was fifth, ahead of Manchester United midfielder Pogba in sixth, with United goalkeeper De Gea in 10th.

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann was seventh and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was ninth.

The top three were in the same order as in 2019, although Mbappe rose three places from seventh to fourth.

Argentine Messi, 33, tried to leave Barcelona this summer and submitted a transfer request in August, but decided to stay because no club would be able to afford his release clause.

Forbes list of highest earning footballers

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) $126m (£97.2m)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus and Portugal) $117m (£90.3m)

Neymar (Paris St-Germain and Brazil) $96m (£74.1m)

Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain and France) $42m (£32.4m)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool and Egypt) $37m (£28.5m)

Paul Pogba (Manchester United and France) $34m (£26.2m)

Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona and France) $33m (£25.5m)

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid and Wales) $29m (£22.4m)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich and Poland) $28m (£21.6m)

David de Gea (Manchester United and Spain) £27m (£20.8m)

Lionel Messi

Lionel messi is an argentinian footballer currently at fc barcelona. find out more about lionel in our in-depth biography, argentinian footballer.

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain.

• Date of birth: 24 June 1987 • Age: 37 years old • Place of birth: Rosario, Argentina • Nationality: Argentine • Wife: Antonela Roccuzzo • Height: 169cm / 5ft 7ins • Weight: 67kg / 148lbs • Wages: €729,000 per week (reported) • Net worth: $130m (Forbes, 2021)

After coming through their youth system, Messi firmly established himself as a FC Barcelona great after the South American made his debut for the Spanish club in October 2004.

Lionel won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns, the Copa del Rey seven times and the Spanish Super Cup on eight occasions with FC Barcelona. The Argentine has also won the Ballon d’Or award a record seven times.

Messi was sent off inside two minutes of his Argentina debut against Hungary on 17 August 2005 but went on to enjoy an impressive international career in the following years.

In the summer of 2021, Messi left FC Barcelona to sign for French side Paris Saint-Germain, penning an initial two-year contract with the option of a further year.

Early Career

Lionel Messi (full name: Lionel Andres Messi) was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He joined his local club, Newell’s Old Boys, youth ranks at the age of six.

Lionel Messi (Photo: Adidas / Handout)

Messi moved to FC Barcelona in 2001 following a trial in the previous year. His first contract was offered to him on a paper napkin.

He impressed alongside Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique in the FC Barcelona youth team.

While the aforementioned pair moved to the Premier League, Messi turned down an approach from Arsenal.

FC Barcelona

(2004-2008)

At the age of 17 years, three months, and 22 days old, Messi made his La Liga debut against Espanyol in October 2004.

He went on to make a further nine appearances and racked up 77 minutes of first-team football in their remaining games of the 2004-05 season.

Messi scored his first senior FC Barcelona goal against Albacete in May 2005 as the La Liga outfit won the title.

He signed a five-year contract with the Catalan side on 24 June 2005. Following a £150m offer from Inter Milan, Messi committed his future to FC Barcelona until 2014.

Lionel established himself as a regular on the right wing of a front three of Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o, wearing the number 19 shirt.

Lionel Messi (Photo: @leomessi / Instagram)

He scored an impressive eight goals in 25 games before he tore his hamstring in the Champions League round of 16 against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge.

Messi missed FC Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris in 2006. And he still won the Spanish top flight title for the second successive season.

FC Barcelona struggled in the 2006-07 season but Messi continued to underline his rising status. Leo netted 17 times in 32 games in all competitions.

The Catalan side lost to Liverpool FC in the Champions League to end their defence. FC Barcelona were unable to win a third successive La Liga crown.

In Rijkard’s final season in charge at Camp Nou, Messi was one of the only positives but his season was hampered by persistent injury problems in the second half of the 2007-08. FC Barcelona finished without any silverware, leading to Pep Guardiola’s appointment.

Messi managed to stay injury-free throughout the 2008-09 season under Guardiola.

The Argentina international scored 38 goals in 51 games in all competitions to help FC Barcelona win the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Arguably his best performance of the season came when he scored twice in a 6-2 win against Real Madrid at The Bernabeu in El Clasico in May 2009.

Messi netted in FC Barcelona’s victories over Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League finals.

His salary was increased to €12m and his contract extended until 2016 ahead of the 2009-10 campaign.

Messi won the Spanish Super Cup, the Uefa Super Cup and the World Club Cup in the opening half of the season before he etched his name onto the Ballon d’Or for the first time.

Guardiola opted to deploy Messi in a false nine role in the middle of the season. It was a move that proved a masterstroke as Messi netted a staggering 47 goals in all competitions.

FC Barcelona won the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey but lost to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan team in the Champions League semi-final.

Messi got his revenge on Mourinho in 2010-11’s first El Clasico as the South American netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

In a season that contained a staggering five El Clasicos, Leo scored a brilliant solo goal in the first leg of their aggregate win over Real Madrid to reach the Champions League final.

Messi was named man of the match after he scored FC Barcelona’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wembley. The Catalan side also won their third successive La Liga crown.

Lionel finished the season with an incredible 53 goals and 24 assists in all competitions.

In Guardiola’s final season in charge, Messi and his FC Barcelona team-mates finished behind Real Madrid in the title race. He missed a penalty in a loss to Chelsea FC in the Champions League semi-finals.

However, Pep Guardiola signed off with a Copa del Rey triumph.

Messi succumbed to persistent injuries in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns.

Remarkably, he still managed to win the European golden shoe in successive seasons following a staggering return of 60 goals.

Under former Newell’s Old Boys boss Gerard Martino, Messi struggled to remain fit.

He didn’t win the Ballon d’Or for the first time in four years after the FC Barcelona star finished behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, he did become FC Barcelona’s record goal-scorer when he netted his 370th goal against Osasuna on 16 March 2014.

Messi ended the season without silverware after losing to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final before Atletico Madrid beat FC Barcelona to the La Liga title on the final day of the domestic campaign.

FC Barcelona revamped their starting line-up with the addition of Luis Suarez to complement Messi and Neymar in July 2014.

Under club legend Luis Enrique, Messi fired FC Barcelona to their second treble in six seasons.

Lionel became La Liga’s all-time record goal-scorer when he netted his 252nd goal against Sevilla in November 2014.

Alongside Neymar and Suarez, Messi scored 58 times and the trio contributed a record 122 goals as FC Barcelona won the La Liga title.

Messi scored twice in their victory over Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final before he played a key role in their 3-1 win against Juventus in the Champions League final.

Leo suffered a serious knee problem at the start of the 2015-16 season and didn’t return until November. He helped FC Barcelona beat River Plate to win the Fifa Club World Cup.

His 500th FC Barcelona appearance came in a 4-0 win over Real Betis. In January 2016, Lionel got his hands on his fifth Ballon d’Or trophy.

The Catalan side won the Copa del Rey crown with a 2-0 extra-time win over Sevilla. However, FC Barcelona were unable to retain their Champions League title.

He finished the season with 41 goals and 23 assists in the 2015-16 season.

Lionel was in prolific form in the 2016-17 campaign.

He netted his 37th Champions League hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League.

Messi’s 500th goal for FC Barcelona came in a stoppage time win over Real Madrid on 23 April 2017.

Leo and his team-mates won the Copa del Rey title thanks to a 3-1 win against Alaves.

FC Barcelona managed to reaffirm their title credentials under new manager Ernesto Valverde.

Messi scored twice in a 3-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League in September 2017.

He surpassed Carles Puyol as FC Barcelona’s third-highest appearance maker when Messi made the 594th game for the Catalan side.

His 600th appearance in FC Barcelona colours came in a 3-0 win against Levante in November.

The records continued to tumble when he scored his 600th club goal before taking his tally to 100 goals in the Champions League.

Move To Paris Saint-Germain

Messi became a free agent in July 2021 after his contract at FC Barcelona was allowed to expire. Negotiations about a new contract at Camp Nou were complicated by financial issues at FC Barcelona.

After much speculation, Messi announced at a tearful news conference that he would be leaving FC Barcelona.

On 10 August 2021, Messi officially joined French club Paris Saint-Germain. He scored his first goal for the Ligue 1 side on 28 September 2021, netting in the 2–0 Champions League group stage win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

International Career

Messi made his Argentina debut as a second-half substitute against Hungary in August 2005. However, he lasted two minutes before he was sent off for a foul.

Lionel lost his first Copa America final to Brazil in 2007. Twelve months later, Messi won Olympic Gold with Argentina in Beijing.

He struggled to shine at the 2010 World Cup under Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Messi and Argentina crashed out of the Copa America in the quarter-finals against Uruguay on home soil.

The 2014 World Cup Final And Beyond

Messi, who was captaining the Argentina team, scored in a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening group-stage fixture.

He was required to net an injury-time goal in a 1-0 win over Iran in their second fixture before Messi netted twice in a 3-2 victory over Nigeria in their final group game.

The FC Barcelona star created their winner in a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the round of 16. Messi scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 extra-time win against Belgium in the quarter-final.

After a goalless draw with the Netherlands in the last four, Argentina progressed to the final thanks to a penalty shootout win. However, the tournament ended in disappointment after a 1-0 extra-time loss to Germany.

Messi’s international misery was compounded a year later when Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the Copa America final. After history repeated itself in the 2016 edition of the tournament, Messi announced his retirement from international football.

However, he reversed his decision to help Argentina qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Lionel netted his first goal of the tournament in a vital 2-1 win against Nigeria.

In 2021, Messi won his first Copa America title when he helped them to claim a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final on 10 July 2021.

On 10 September 2021, Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Bolivia to make him the leading South American men’s goal-scorer in international matches moving him above Brazil legend Pele, who finished his career on 77 international goals in 92 games.

Personal Life And Net Worth

Messi started dating his now wife Antonela Rococo in 2008. The couple have known each other since they were five years old and Antonela is the cousin of Messi’s childhood best friend, Lucas Scaglia,

Lionel Messi with his wife Antonela Rococo (Photo: @leomessi / Instagram)

The couple have three sons: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015) and Ciro (born 2018).

Lionel and Antonela got married in June 2017 in a luxury hotel called Hotel City Center in their hometown of Rosario.

Although there is no official figure for Lionel Messi’s net worth, Forbes estimate that the footballer is worth around $130m as of 2021.

Of that figure, $97m is estimated to have come from salary and winnings, while the remaining $33m is believed to come from sponsorships and endorsements.

Lionel Messi – Did You Know?

• In 2021, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a record seventh time, finishing above Poland striker Robert Lewandowski and Italy midfielder Jorginho.

• Messi has won the Ballon d’Or more than any other player thanks to his triumphs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Lionel is La Liga’s all-time top goal-scorer, having netted 474 goals in 520 games for FC Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo finished his Real Madrid career with 311 goals in 292 games in La Liga.

• Lionel scored a world-record 91 goals in the calendar year of 2012.

• Messi is the leading South American men’s goal-scorer in international matches.

• Messi was 16 years, four months, and 23 days old when he made his FC Barcelona first-team debut in a friendly against Jose Mourinho’s Porto side. He made two assists and scored two goals.

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Lionel Messi is an Argentine-born  football  (soccer) player who has been named the world’s best men’s player of the year seven times (2009–12, 2015, 2019, and 2021). In 2022 he helped Argentina win the  World Cup . Naturally left-footed, quick, and precise in control of the ball, Messi is known as a keen pass distributor and can readily thread his way through packed defenses.

Lionel Messi started playing football as a boy and was noticed by clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. When he was 13, his family relocated to Barcelona . He played for  FC Barcelona ’s under-14 team, quickly graduating through the higher-level teams until his informal debut at age 16 with FC Barcelona in a friendly match.

Lionel Messi scored 73 goals during the 2011–12 season while playing for FC Barcelona , breaking a 39-year-old record for single-season goals in a major European football league. In 2014 Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final, which Argentina lost, but Messi won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. During the 2016 Copa América Centenario tournament, he netted his 55th international goal to break Gabriel Batistuta ’s Argentine scoring record. He led Argentina’s national team to win the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, when he again won the Golden Ball award.

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Lionel Messi (born June 24, 1987, Rosario , Argentina) is an Argentine-born football (soccer) player who received a record-setting eight Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s top male player (2009–12, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023). In 2022 he helped Argentina win the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)’s World Cup .

Messi started playing football as a boy and in 1995 joined the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys (a Rosario-based top-division football club). Messi’s phenomenal skills garnered the attention of prestigious clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. At age 13 Messi and his family relocated to Barcelona, and he began playing for FC Barcelona ’s under-14 team. He scored 21 goals in 14 games for the junior team, and he quickly graduated through the higher-level teams until at age 16 he was given his informal debut with FC Barcelona in a friendly match.

In the 2004–05 season Messi, then 17, became the youngest official player and goal scorer in the Spanish La Liga (the country’s highest division of football). Though only 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 metres) tall and weighing 148 pounds (67 kg), he was strong, well-balanced, and versatile on the field. Naturally left-footed, quick, and precise in control of the ball, Messi was a keen pass distributor and could readily thread his way through packed defenses. In 2005 he was granted Spanish citizenship, an honour greeted with mixed feelings by the fiercely Catalan supporters of Barcelona. The next year Messi and Barcelona won the Champions League (the European club championship) title.

Messi’s play continued to rapidly improve over the years, and by 2008 he was one of the most dominant players in the world, finishing second to Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting for the 2008 Ballon d’Or. In early 2009 Messi capped off a spectacular 2008–09 season by helping FC Barcelona capture the club’s first “treble” (winning three major European club titles in one season): the team won the La Liga championship, the Copa del Rey (Spain’s major domestic cup), and the Champions League title. He scored 38 goals in 51 matches during that season, and he bested Ronaldo in the balloting for both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s world player of the year by a record margin. During the 2009–10 season Messi scored 34 goals in domestic games as Barcelona repeated as La Liga champions. He earned the Golden Shoe award as Europe’s leading scorer, and he received another Ballon d’Or (the award was known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2010–15).

Messi led Barcelona to La Liga and Champions League titles the following season, which helped him capture an unprecedented third consecutive world player of the year award. In March 2012 he netted his 233rd goal for Barcelona, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in La Liga play when only 24 years old. He finished Barcelona’s 2011–12 season (which included another Copa del Rey win) with 73 goals in all competitions, breaking Gerd Müller ’s 39-year-old record for single-season goals in a major European football league. His landmark season led to his being named the 2012 world player of the year, which made Messi the first player to win the honour four times. His 46 La Liga goals in 2012–13 led the league, and Barcelona captured another domestic top-division championship that season. In 2014 he set the overall Barcelona goal record when he scored his 370th goal as a member of the team. That same year he also broke the career scoring records for play in both the Champions League (with 72 goals) and La Liga (with 253 goals).

Messi helped Barcelona capture another treble during the 2014–15 season, leading the team with 43 goals scored over the course of the campaign, which resulted in his fifth world player of the year honour. He scored 41 goals across all competitions for Barcelona in 2015–16, and the club won the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey during that season. Messi topped that with 53 goals for Barcelona in 2016–17, leading the team to another Copa del Rey title. In 2017–18 he scored 45 goals, and Barcelona won the La Liga–Copa del Rey double once again. Messi scored 51 goals across all domestic competitions in 2018–19 as Barcelona won another La Liga championship. In late 2019 he won his sixth career Ballon d’Or and was named FIFA’s best male player of the year. In the 2020–21 season, Barcelona claimed the Copa del Rey title, the seventh of Messi’s career. He became a free agent in 2021, and financial issues—some of which were the result of La Liga rules—largely prevented him from re-signing with Barcelona. He left the club after setting a number of records; notably, he was the leading goal scorer in the league’s history (474).

Later in 2021 Messi signed with Paris St.-Germain (PSG), where he joined superstars Kylian Mbappé and Neymar , and that year he received yet another Ballon d’Or. He helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title in each of his two seasons with the team. In 2023 Messi joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer .

Despite his dual citizenship and professional success in Spain, Messi’s ties with his homeland remained strong, and he was a key member of various Argentine national teams from 2005. He played on Argentina’s victorious 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship squad, represented the country in the 2006 World Cup, and scored two goals in five matches as Argentina swept to the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games . Messi helped Argentina reach the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, where the team was eliminated by Germany for the second consecutive time in World Cup play. At the 2014 World Cup, Messi put on a dazzling display, scoring four goals and almost single-handedly propelling an offense-deficient Argentina team through the group stage and into the knockout rounds, where Argentina then advanced to the World Cup final for the first time in 24 years. Argentina lost that contest 1–0 to Germany, but Messi nevertheless won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. During the 2016 Copa América Centenario tournament, he netted his 55th international goal to break Gabriel Batistuta ’s Argentine scoring record.

After Argentina was defeated in the Copa final—the team’s third consecutive finals loss in a major tournament—Messi said that he was quitting the national team, but his short-lived “retirement” lasted less than two months before he announced his return to the Argentine team. At the 2018 World Cup, he helped an overmatched Argentine side reach the knockout stage, where they were eliminated by eventual champion France in their first match. After a third-place finish at the 2019 Copa América, Messi led Argentina to victory in the tournament two years later, and he received the Golden Ball award. His success continued at the 2022 World Cup . There he guided Argentina to the finals, where he scored two goals—and made a penalty kick during the shootout—to help defeat France. Messi won the World Cup’s Golden Ball, becoming the first male player to receive that award twice. In addition, his outstanding play in the tournament was instrumental in Messi winning his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023.

Off the field, Messi was one of the biggest athletic stars in the world. In addition to earning a football salary that was frequently, with Ronaldo’s, one of the two largest athletes’ salaries in all professional sports , he was an extremely successful product pitchman, notably for the sportswear company Adidas . In 2013 Messi and his father (who handled his son’s finances) were charged with tax fraud and accused of using overseas shell companies to avoid paying €4.2 million in Spanish taxes on endorsement earnings. Despite subsequently paying €5 million to the Spanish state, the pair were nevertheless ordered to stand trial on the charges in 2016. In July of that year, Messi and his father were each given suspended 21-month prison sentences (first-time offenders in Spain are given suspended sentences if the duration is under two years) and were fined €2 million and €1.5 million, respectively.

Billionaire Index

Lionel Messi Net Worth, Age, Family & Biography $600 M Real Time Net Worth

About lionel messi.

Leo Messi, more commonly known as Lionel Andres Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays forward and is captain of the Argentina national team. Messi is the country’s all-time leading goal scorer and holds the national record for appearances as an Argentine international. At the youth level, he won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Title, completing the competition with both the Brilliant Ball and Brilliant Shoe and an Olympic gold decoration at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Lionel Messi’s Family

Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe. He was the third of four children born to Jorge Messi, manager of a steel factory, and Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a workshop that made magnets. “Leo” was raised in a close-knit, football-loving family. From a young age, he played football a lot with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matas, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, who went on to play professional football.

Lionel Messi’s Career

A deep rooted ally of Newell’s Old Young men, Messi joined the Rosario club when he was six years of age. During his six years at Newell’s, he was a member of “The Machine of ’87,” a youth team that was nearly unbeatable and was named after the year they were born. During halftime of the first team’s home games, he regularly performed ball tricks to entertain the crowds.

Messi quickly rose through Barcelona’s ranks during the 2003–04 season, his fourth with the club. He made his debut for four youth teams in a single season. He played only one official game with the Juveniles B after being named player of the tournament in four international pre-season competitions. After being promoted to the Juveniles A, he scored 18 goals in 11 league games.

Lionel Messi’s Debut

Messi made his first-team debut on November 16, 2003, when he came on in the 75th minute of a friendly match against Porto’s Jose Mourinho, when he was 16 years, 4 months, and 23 days old at the time. His exhibition, making two possibilities and a shot on objective, intrigued the specialised staff, and he thus started preparing everyday with the club’s hold side, Barcelona B, as well as week after week with the principal group.

Messi was eligible to represent both Argentina and Spain because he was a dual citizen of both countries. Selectors for Spain’s Under-17 crew started seeking after him in 2003 after Barcelona’s overseer of football, Carles Rexach, made the Regal Spanish Football Alliance aware of their young player. Because he had always wanted to play for La Albiceleste, Messi turned down the offer.

Lionel Messi’s Contribution

The Leo Messi Foundation, Messi’s own charitable organisation, supports children’s access to sports, education, and health care in addition to his work with UNICEF. It was laid out in 2007 following a visit Messi paid to a medical clinic for critically ill kids in Boston, an encounter that impacted him to the point that he chose to reinvest part of his profit into society.

Lionel Messi’s Facts

Senior manager Jose Pekerman gave Messi his first call-up for a friendly against Hungary on August 17, 2005. In recognition of his accomplishments with the under-20 team. 18-year-old Messi made his senior Argentina debut in the 63rd minute at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium. After two minutes, he was dismissed for an alleged foul against Vilmos Vanczak, who had grabbed his shirt. The referee’s interpretation of Messi’s attempt to dislodge the defender as an intentional elbowing was contentious because Messi had struck him with his arm.

Lionel Messi’s Net Worth

As of 2023, Messi is the second-highest-paid athlete in the world and has made an estimated $600 Million throughout his career.

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Lionel Messi

Facts of Lionel Messi

Football Player

Career & net worth, relationship.

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional football player who plays as a forward, midfielder, and winger for one of the world's most designated clubs FC Barcelona. He is the first player to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or five times besides Ronaldo. 

A professional Argentine footballer is a wealthy man with an estimated net worth of over $182 million. Playing with PSG, Messi makes a massive amount of money. 

Net Worth and Endorsements of Messi

Lionel Messi stands high with an estimated net worth of over $500 million, including all his properties. He has an annual salary of £34,840,000 . Messi is signed with PSG, and he earns £670,000 in a week. His weekly pay in 2021 was £1,000,000, and his yearly wage was £52,000,000 . 

He has also played for other clubs, including Barcelona. While playing for Barcelona in 2020, Messi earned £1,000,000 a week and £52,000,000 a year. Furthermore, his current market value is €50 million, while his highest market value was €180 million, recorded on January 1, 2018 .

Besides his earnings from football, he too earns massive amounts through his endorsement deals; he is linked with various worldwide brands such as Pepsi, Gillette, Turkish Airlines, and Adidas.

Likewise, he has a collection of several luxurious cars. Some of his best include Ferrari, Audi Maserati, Mercedes, Bentley, and Chrysler. We can explore his lavish lifestyle by following him on Instagram as @leomessi . 

Read More: Who is Emiliano Martinez Married To? Know About His Married Life, Children a nd His Journey To 2022 FIFA World Cup Winning Team

Love Life: Details On His Wife and Children

Most of all know that Lionel Messi is a married man. He had been living a happy life with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo , a fellow neighbour of his hometown. The couple has been living together since 2008, and they have three children: Thiago Messi, born in 2012, and Mateo Messi, born in 2015. Ciro Messi was born on March 10, 2018.

Later, the couple finally tied the knot on June 30, 2017 . The ceremony occurred at a casino and hotel in Rosario, Argentina, where several Barcelona and Argentine players attended.

Besides this, he is a philanthropist; he has been helping the needy, involving himself in organisations like UNICEF, La Masia Foundation, the Leo Messi Foundation, etc. 

Lionel Messi's Club Career

Messi's parents sought to arrange a trial with Barcelona in September 2000; after his trial, First team director Charly Rexach immediately wanted to sign him but couldn't due to the club's regulations as Messi was too young then. On December 14, a request was issued for Barcelona to prove their commitment, and the club signed him offering a contract on a paper napkin.

Lionel Messi made his professional debut at age 17 in October 2004, representing Barcelona and scoring his first-ever competitive goal from an assist from Ronaldinho . He had himself in the record books of football on May 1, 2005, as the youngest player to ever score a goal for the franchise.

Also Read. Statistics show Cristiano Ronaldo twice as good as Lionel Messi on International Stage

He was soon called a wonder boy because of his magic inside the field. Certainly, everybody loved to see him playing, and he has been known all over the world since 2009. At 22 years old, Messi won the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2009, both by the most significant voting margin in each trophy's history.

He slowly developed himself as one of the world's best players and won the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015, and has set numbers of world records in football. He was named the captain of the team along with Andres Iniesta in 2015. He is the crucial player for his team and has won several titles with the club. 

Messi is an essential player in Barcelona and has won nine La Liga titles with the club. He is also the player to be credited most that won the last three Champions League. Besides, Messi has won uncountable individual titles and honours. He is also famous for his rivalry with his most formidable opponent Ronaldo .

International Career Of Messi

Initially born in Argentina, Messi was offered to play for the Spanish national side, but he denied the offer and chose to play for his national side. He made his junior team debut for his country against Paraguay, scoring a goal and providing two assists in their 8–0 victory on June 29, 2004 .

Read more. FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Argentina vs France Match Preview, Head To Head, Possible Lineups, Key Players, Tickets, Kickoff Time, Stadium, Prediction,

Aged 18, Messi made his senior debut for Argentina on August 17, 2005 . He has won over 143 caps for his national side scoring 74 goals, he won the Golden Ball in the 2014 World Cup, and Brazil lost to Germany in the Finale. His current national squad teammates are Sergio Aguero , Angel Di Maria , Gonzalo Higuain , etc.

Besides, Messi also plays in the FIFA World Cup 2022 , representing the Argentine team. He said this was his last world cup . 

Early Life of Lionel Messi

Lionel Andres Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, and his parents are Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini . He has three siblings, Maria Sol Messi , Rodrigo Messi , and Matias Messi . His cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, are both professional players. 

At the age of four, he joined the local club Grandoli, where he was coached by his father, though his influence as a player came from his maternal grandmother, Celia. He celebrates his goals by looking up and pointing to the sky in tribute to his grandmother, who is no longer alive.

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Jack Hinshelwood

Omar marmoush, alejandro grimaldo, george ilenikhena, deniz undav, jamie gittens, gianluigi buffon.

Lionel Messi leads a group that collectively earned more than $990 million in 12 months, with the bar for entry higher than ever.

By brett knight.

L ionel Messi was only 17 when he began suiting up for the top squad at FC Barcelona, so it was more than a little jarring when, after 17 seasons, he left the only professional home he had ever known to transfer to Paris Saint-Germain last August.

In one regard, though, this season marked a return to familiar territory for the 34-year-old soccer superstar.

With $130 million in pre-tax gross earnings over the last 12 months, Messi claims the top spot in Forbes’ annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes , leading the list for the second time (the other was in 2019). Although Forbes estimates that Messi’s salary is down some $22 million from his final year with Barcelona—to $75 million this season at PSG—a major boost in endorsements helps him equal the record 12-month total for a soccer player he posted last year, when he finished No. 2 to MMA fighter Conor McGregor.

Messi’s archrival, Cristiano Ronaldo—who also switched teams in August, moving from Juventus to Manchester United—lands at No. 3 this year with $115 million. Sandwiched between the two is the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James with $121.2 million, crushing the $96.5 million record for an NBA player that he set last year. James becomes only the tenth athlete ever to surpass $100 million in a single year, a milestone Messi and Ronaldo have now reached five times each.

TEN YEARS OF THE TOP TEN

The world’s ten highest-paid athletes collectively made $992 million in pre-tax gross earnings over the last 12 months, the third-highest total ever..

Collectively, the world’s ten highest-paid athletes raked in $992 million over the last 12 months, according to Forbes’ estimates. That represents a 6% drop from 2021, but the decline is directly related to McGregor’s massive $180 million total last year, after he pocketed an estimated $150 million from the sale of his Irish whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve. (McGregor fell out of the top ten but appears at No. 35 in the full 2022 ranking, with $43 million.)

This year’s collective total is the third-highest ever, behind 2021’s $1.05 billion and the $1.06 billion total of 2018, when McGregor skewed the result once again with his superfight against Floyd Mayweather. And in one clear sign that sports’ top stars are doing better than ever, the cutoff to make the top ten this year is $80.9 million, posted by the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s an 8% jump from 2021’s $75 million—and a 24% increase from 2019’s $65.4 million, the previous high.

Off the field, the top ten athletes hauled in an estimated $500 million from endorsements, appearances, memorabilia and licensing fees, as well as the cash returns from businesses they operate and equity stakes they sold. That’s nearly flat from last year’s record $512 million.

The addition of cryptocurrency and NFT platforms to the sports marketing equation helped offset the loss of McGregor’s big payday from last year. In March, Messi signed a deal worth $20 million annually with Socios, a “fan engagement” app built on blockchain technology. Lower down the top ten, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady have partnered with crypto exchange FTX while James and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant have aligned themselves with competitors Crypto.com and Coinbase, respectively.

Up or down, it’s some serious coin.

THE WORLD’S 10 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES 2022

#1. $130 million, lionel messi, on-field: $75 million | off-field: $55 million, age: 34 | sport: soccer | nationality: argentina.

Lionel Messi’s $20 million-a-year partnership with Socios adds to an endorsement portfolio that includes Adidas, Budweiser and PepsiCo. He also became Hard Rock International’s first athlete brand ambassador in a deal announced last June, helping Messi draw level with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo with his off-field earnings for the first time since 2013. Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2021 as the world’s best men’s soccer player, but he has had a tougher time on the pitch more recently, scoring just nine goals in 32 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain after notching 38 in 47 games in his final season for Barcelona. But while PSG flamed out in the Champions League’s Round of 16, the club captured the French Ligue 1 title in Messi’s first season.

#2. $121.2 MILLION

Lebron james, on-field: $41.2 million | off-field: $80 million, age: 37 | sport: basketball | nationality: u.s..

LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers missed the playoffs this season, but he’s never been so dominant off the court. He starred in last year’s Space Jam: A New Legacy and recently moved his talk show, The Shop , from HBO to YouTube. In October, he sold a significant minority stake in SpringHill—the production company behind both projects—at a valuation of about $725 million, pushing his net worth to $850 million , according to Forbes’ estimates. After announcing an endorsement deal with Crypto.com in January, James appeared in a Super Bowl commercial next to a computer-generated version of his younger self. He also recently invested in home gym company Tonal and StatusPRO, a sports tech startup that creates virtual reality training products.

#3. $115 MILLION

Cristiano ronaldo, on-field: $60 million | off-field: $55 million, age: 37 | sport: soccer | nationality: portugal.

Like his rival Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo has had a disappointing first season with his new team, with Manchester United stuck in sixth place in the Premier League standings with one game remaining. Rumors are now swirling that Ronaldo, who previously played for Man U from 2003 to 2009, could be on the move once more in this summer’s transfer window. Much of Ronaldo’s earning power comes from his massive social media presence: He has 690 million followers across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, giving him leverage to demand sky-high rates from sponsors such as Nike, Herbalife and Clear shampoo. He is also an investor in Tatel restaurants—including a new location in Beverly Hills—and is the face of ZujuGP , a forthcoming app aiming to be a ​​digital soccer community.

#4. $95 MILLION

On-field: $70 million | off-field: $25 million, age: 30 | sport: soccer | nationality: brazil.

Neymar scored his 400th career goal in November, but like Lionel Messi, he was stung by criticism after Paris Saint-Germain’s early Champions League exit. His attention will now shift to the World Cup in Qatar this fall, which he has said could be his last. Off the field, he has a valuable set of endorsements, including Puma and Red Bull, and he is the subject of a new Netflix docuseries, Neymar: The Perfect Chaos . He is also diving into the world of NFTs, signing with the platform NFTSTAR in November and spending over $1 million on two Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs in one day in January.

#5. $92.8 MILLION

Stephen curry, on-field: $45.8 million | off-field: $47 million, age: 34 | sport: basketball | nationality: u.s..

No NBA player made more in salary this season than Stephen Curry, and the Golden State Warriors guard is due for a raise after signing a four-year, $215 million extension last August. He’ll make roughly $48 million on the court next season, rising to just under $60 million in 2025-26. Curry’s new FTX endorsement deal also came with an equity stake, and he dived deeper into blockchain in December, releasing a collection of NFTs that featured his sneakers and were tied to three metaverse platforms. (He pledged to donate the proceeds.) Meanwhile, Curry’s production company, Unanimous Media, signed a development deal with Comcast NBCUniversal in September.

#6. $92.1 MILLION

Kevin durant, on-field: $42.1 million | off-field: $50 million, age: 33 | sport: basketball | nationality: u.s..

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant brings in roughly $28 million annually from Nike, a sneaker deal surpassed only by LeBron James’ ($32 million) among active players. He has recently added deals with Coinbase, NBA Top Shot and Weedmaps, but with media company Boardroom and investment firm Thirty Five Ventures, his business empire goes far beyond endorsements. NFT platform OpenSea and digital fitness startup Future are among his latest investments, and he is backing SeatGeek’s SPAC merger. Durant and his longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman, also announced last year that they would launch a SPAC of their own; it is still seeking an acquisition.

#7. $90.7 MILLION

Roger federer, on-field: $0.7 million | off-field: $90 million, age: 40 | sport: tennis | nationality: switzerland.

Injuries limited Roger Federer to six tournaments in 2020 and 2021 combined, and he has yet to return to the tennis court in 2022. No matter—the world’s former No. 1 player remains the top pitchman in sports, promoting brands such as Uniqlo and Rolex. He also invested in the burgeoning Swiss shoe brand On in 2019, and the company went public in September, raising more than $600 million. “We work very closely together on product design,” Federer told Forbes at the time , having spent 20 days in the lab with the On team developing the company’s pro tennis shoe.

#8. $90 MILLION

Canelo alvarez, on-field: $85 million | off-field: $5 million, age: 31 | sport: boxing | nationality: mexico.

Canelo Alvarez is boxing’s top draw, earning $40 million or more from his two pay-per-view victories last May and November. (His loss to light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7, 2022, fell outside Forbes’ tracking window for this list.) Beyond the ring, Alvarez has a lucrative partnership with Hennessy and owns a taco restaurant in his native Mexico, with plans to expand to California. Alvarez said last year that he would be launching a chain of gas stations, and his Canelo Promotions is putting together a series of fights in Mexico in partnership with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN.

#9. $83.9 MILLION

On-field: $31.9 million | off-field: $52 million, age: 44 | sport: football | nationality: u.s..

Tom Brady’s retirement this off-season lasted less than six weeks, which was welcome news for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he turned in a spectacular 2021 season at age 43. He’s certainly learning some new tricks off the field. Autograph, the NFT platform Brady cofounded last year, raised $170 million in a Series B funding round announced in January, and Religion of Sports, the production company he cofounded with Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and filmmaker Gotham Chopra, unveiled a content deal with Skydance Sports in March. Meanwhile, his other production company, 199 Productions, is behind the upcoming road-trip movie 80 for Brady , and he has a new clothing line cleverly named BRADY. And when it is finally time to retire permanently from football, Brady already has his next lucrative gig lined up: a commentator role with Fox Sports. According to the New York Post , that deal is set to pay him more than he has earned on the field across 22 seasons in the NFL—$375 million over ten years.

#10. $80.9 MILLION

Giannis antetokounmpo, on-field: $39.9 million | off-field: $41 million, age: 27 | sport: basketball | nationality: greece.

With Neymar turning 30 in February, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only member of this year’s top ten still in his 20s. The Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP signed a five-year, $228 million contract in December 2020, the NBA’s largest contract by total value to date. He was among the investors in timepiece resale platform WatchBox’s $165 million funding round announced in November, and he has also signed a licensing deal with NFT platform NFTSTAR and added WhatsApp and Google’s Pixel 6 phone to his endorsement stable. And Antetokounmpo will soon be able to watch his life story in the biopic Rise , set to be released on Disney+ in June.

METHODOLOGY

Forbes’ on-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2022. In cases where players continue to be paid beyond May for a regular season that is concluded by then—as in the NBA and European soccer—we assign the full season of salary. Playoff bonuses are included for the 2021 NFL season and the 2020-21 NBA season.

Off-field earnings figures are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income for the 12 months leading to May 1, 2022, plus cash returns from any businesses operated by the athlete, based on conversations with industry insiders. Forbes does not include investment income such as interest payments or dividends but does account for payouts from equity stakes athletes have sold.

Forbes does not deduct for taxes or agents’ fees. The list includes athletes active at any point during the 12-month time period.

With additional reporting by Justin Birnbaum and Matt Craig

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Biography Online

Lionel Messi Biography

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won FIFA world player of the year five times (2009–12 and 2015) . He has often been described as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and ability to dribble past opponents.

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius, and he can become an even better player.”

His potential is limitless, and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.”

– Diego Maradona

Short Biography Lionel Messi

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

His local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on a paper napkin!) which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain. Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.

“I made a lot of sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream. That’s why I didn’t go out partying, or do a lot of other things.”

– Lionel Messi

In the 2009-10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo’s record total for Barcelona. As the seasons have progressed, Messi kept improving and breaking his own records. In the calendar year of 2012, he broke the all-time world record for most goals scored in a calendar year. His final total of goals in 2012 was 91 – beating the previous record of 85 by German Gerd Muller, and Pele’s milestone of 75 in 1958.

“My record stood for 40 years – 85 goals in a year – and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I’m delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic.”

– Gerd Muller

At the start of 2013, in club football, Messi has scored 292 goals from a total of 359 appearances, and in international football, 31 goals from 76 appearances.

At the end of 2012, Messi turned down a very lucrative offer to play for an unnamed Russian side. It would have given Messi a salary of €20 million a year and made Messi the most expensive player in the world (Barcelona would have been paid €250 million). He turned down the offer because he was unsure if he would be playing in major European championships and the difficulties in moving to Russia. Instead, he signed a contract with Barcelona until the end of 2018. When asked about moving to the English Premier League, Messi revealed his sense of commitment to Barcelona.

“ Barcelona is my life. They have brought me to where I am today. I could not leave, I don’t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good. But I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always.”

International Career

Because Messi was brought up in Spain, since he was 11 years old, he has Spanish nationality. In 2004, he was offered the chance to play for Spain’s Under 20 side, but Messi decided to play for Argentina, the country of his birth. He led Argentina to victory in the 2005 FIFA Youth Championship. Messi made his full international debut in August 2005, during a friendly against Hungary. In his first game, Messi was sent off for allegedly elbowing a player. The decision was contentious and not in keeping with Messi’s style of play which is generally clean and in the spirit of fair play; he has very rarely been accused of diving.

In 2006, he participated in the World Cup, becoming Argentina’s youngest player to play in the world cup. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal for Argentina in football at the Beijing Olympics. Initially, Barcelona had not allowed him permission to play, but new coach Pep Guardiola allowed him time off.

In the 2010 World Cup, Messi wore the number 10 shirt and played well to help Argentina reach the quarter-finals, but Messi struggled to score, and Argentina disappointingly lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-final. Messi has admitted he is desperate to play in a world cup final. Success for Messi in the World Cup would be the last test of greatness. Pele , by contrast, was part of Brazil’s three times winning World Cup side ’58, ’62 and ’70.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of the modern age – in fact, any age. He has a peerless ability to dribble and take on opponents. Maradona has described his ball control as supremely good. “ The ball stays glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone with Messi’s ball control.” Messi has said he wishes to retain the joy of how a child plays football

“I have changed nothing, my style of play is still that of a child. I know that above all it is my job and that I should approach it in another way, but one must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. It is imperative one plays to amuse oneself, to be happy. That is what children do and I do the same thing.” (total Barca)

After winning the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time in January 2013, Messi said:

“To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words. ” ( BBC )

Messi and Ronaldo

Messi has often been compared to prolific Real Madrid goalscorer Christiano Ronaldo, but both have been keen to downplay the rivalry.

“Messi has his personality and I have mine. He has his game and I have mine. I also play in a big club like him. We are different in every aspect. But right now, he is the best.”

— Christiano Ronaldo , in September 2011

Messi’s goalscoring record

Source: Christopher Johnson, Barcelona FC. CC-SA-2.5

By any standards, Messi’s goal scoring record is exceptional. By June 2019, he has scored 419 goals in 445 official matches for Barcelona FC.

• In 2012/13, Messi set an all-time world record of scoring in 21 consecutive games (33 goals from 21 games)
• He holds the Guinness World Record for most goals in a calendar year – 91 goals during 2012.
• He is the only player to score in four consecutive Champions League campaigns.
• His international record for Argentina is 68 goals from 133 appearances.

Messi major honours

• Spanish La Liga title (*10) : 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Spanish Cup (*6) – Copa del Rey
• Supercopa de España (*6)
• UEFA Champions League ( *4 ) : 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15
• UEFA Super Cup ( *3 )
• FIFA Club World Cup ( 3 )
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
• 2006 World Cup – QF
• 2010 World Cup – QF
• 2014 World Cup – Runners-up.
• 2018 World Cup

Wealth and income

Messi has frequently been the target of other football clubs with big transfer budgets, but he has remained loyal to Barcelona FC. He is one of the highest paid footballers in the world. His base salary is estimated at €40 million per year. His combined income 2018 from all sources was €126m. This made him the highest paid sports star – according to Forbes. From 2018, his weekly salary from Barcelona is $667,000 per week.

Private life

By the standards of modern football, Messi has a relatively private and modest lifestyle. He makes efforts to keep links to his hometown of Rosario. He has an Argentinian girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo, and they have two children. His first child Thiago was born in November 2012.

Lionel Messi – Real Bios at Amazon by Marie Morreale.

Messi acts as an ambassador for Unicef, and also runs his own charitable foundation – supporting access to education and sport for children. Because of his own expensive medical treatment, he has also helped Argentinian hospitals with paying for similar treatment to his own.

World Cup 2014

Many commentators have stated that Lionel Messi has performed at his best in all competitions, except the World Cup. In both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup, Argentina were knocked out in the quarter-finals, with Messi not at his best.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is an opportunity for Messi to make an impact on the highest stage of them all. In the opening game against, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Messi scored a great goal to give Argentina a winning start. He scored four goals to help Argentina reach the World Cup Final. In the final, Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany. Messi was awarded ‘Golden Ball’ player of the tournament, though the decision was not universally supported. After the tournament, Messi replied:

“I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great.”

In June 2016, a very disappointed Messi announced his retirement from international football, after missing a penalty as Argentina got knocked out of the Copa America final. However, Messi later reversed his decision, saying he loved playing for Argentina too much, and “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one.”

However, Messi returned to international football and led Argentina in the 2018 World Cup. Despite carrying the weight of expectation of a nation, the World Cup was considered a great disappointment. However, in the 2018/19 season, Messi returned to his usual scintillating performance with Barcelona.

World Cup 2022

After a disappointing first game, when Argentina unexpectedly lost to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi was key to firing Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Messi scoring an excellent goal. If Messi has lost something of his speed and top level fitness, he remains just as potent in front of the goal, with the capacity to make match winning contributions. The goal took him to 8 world cup goals, 2nd overall and level with Diego Maradona.

Published 10 January 2018. Last updated 30 November 2022

• Full name Lionel Andrés Messi
• Date of birth 24 June 1987 (1987-06-24)
• Place of birth Rosario, Argentina
• Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
• Playing Position: Forward
• Total club appearances 684. Total Goals 578 (Dec. 2018)
• Total international appearances 151. Total Goals 81 (Dec. 2018)
• La Liga titles with Barcelona (9)
• UEFA Champions League (4) 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
• FIFA Ballon d’Or/Ballon d’Or (5)
• Guinness World Record as top goalscorer for club and country in a calendar year: 91 goals in 2012

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “Biography of Lionel Messi”, Oxford, UK.  www.biographyonline.net . First published 26 June 2012. Last updated 26 June 2019.

The Amazing Story of Leo Messi

The Amazing Story of Leo Messi at Amazon

Lionel Messi: The Rise to Stardom. at Amazon

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• Lionel Messi at Amazon.com

64 Comments

Super biography

• February 03, 2019 2:09 PM
• By V.sukumar

Lionel Messi’s Biography, Daily Routine, Lifestyle, Hobbies, Net Worth, Career, Personal Life, and More

SuccessMatters4me

Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has captured the hearts of millions with his extraordinary skills, incredible talent, and remarkable journey from a young boy in Rosario, Argentina, to a global football icon. In this article, we delve into the captivating life story of Lionel Messi, exploring his early years, his rise to fame, and his lasting legacy in the world of football.

Why Should You Read This Biography Of Lionel Messi?

Reading Lionel Messi’s biography can offer a fascinating insight into the life of one of the greatest football players in history. Through his journey from a young talent in Argentina to becoming a global icon at FC Barcelona and beyond, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of his dedication, resilience, and unmatched skill on the field. His story not only provides a window into the world of professional football but also serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, making it a compelling read for sports enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and those interested in the transformative power of passion and hard work.

Who Is Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born in 1987, Messi spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona , where he achieved numerous accolades, including multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or awards . Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Messi’s influence transcends the field, making him a global sports icon and a symbol of dedication and skill in the world of soccer.

Quick Bio Of Lionel Messi

Here’s a quick bio table summarizing key information about Lionel Messi:

AttributeDetails Full NameLionel Andrés MessiDate of BirthJune 24, 1987Place of BirthRosario, Santa Fe, ArgentinaNationalityArgentinePositionRight Wing ForwardClubs1995–2000 — [ Newell’s Old Boys (Argentina) ] 2000–2021 — [ Barcelona (Spain) ] 2021–2023 — [ PSG (France) ] 2023-current — [ Inter Miami (USA) ]Net worth & SalaryNet Worth — $600 Million Salary — €70–100 million annuallyAchievementsMultiple FIFA Ballon d’Or awardsNumerous club and individual recordsFamilyMarried to Antonela Roccuzzo Three children: Thiago, Mateo, CiroHobbies Video Games , Spending Time with Family , Music , Travel , Charity Work Playing StyleExceptional dribbling and goal-scoring Vision, creativity, teamworkJersey Number10PhilanthropyInvolved in various charitable efforts Beneficial contributions to societyInspirationDedication, humility, perseverance Overcoming challengesLegacyRecognized as one of football’s greatest Global impact as an icon

Where And When Was Lionel Messi Born?

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, a city in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina.

How Was The Early Life Of Lionel messi?

Lionel Messi’s early life was marked by his passion for football from a young age. Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, he displayed extraordinary talent and dedication on the field, joining his local club Newell’s Old Boys at the age of seven. However, his promising career was briefly threatened by a growth hormone deficiency, which led to his relocation to Barcelona, Spain , where he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia . Overcoming challenges, Messi’s prodigious skills flourished, propelling him into the first team and laying the foundation for his remarkable journey to becoming one of football’s greatest legends.

Who Are Lionel Messi’s Parents?

Lionel Messi’s parents are Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini . Jorge Messi worked as a factory steel worker and also coached a local youth football team, nurturing Lionel’s early interest in the sport. Celia Cuccittini, Messi’s mother, played a supportive role in his upbringing, and his close-knit family has remained a significant source of inspiration and strength throughout his career.

Where Has Lionel Messi Completed His Education ?

Lionel Messi’s education has primarily been focused on his football career. He joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at a young age, where he received training, mentorship, and education while developing his football skills. The academy’s integrated approach aimed to provide both academic and football education to young players, nurturing their athletic and personal growth. However, his educational background outside of football has not been extensively documented due to his early dedication to the sport.

When Did Lionel Messi’s Football Career Start?

Lionel Messi’s formal football career began when he joined the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys, a local club in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, at the age of seven. He showcased his exceptional skills and talents at a young age, capturing the attention of scouts and football enthusiasts. Messi’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he moved to Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 13 to join FC Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia, which marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a football legend.

When Did Lionel Messi Become Famous?

Lionel Messi’s rise to fame began to gain significant traction during his early years at FC Barcelona. However, he truly became a global sensation and achieved widespread fame in the mid-2000s as he consistently demonstrated his extraordinary football skills and contributed significantly to Barcelona’s successes.

His performances in various competitions, his goal-scoring records, and his ability to win individual awards like the FIFA Ballon d’Or solidified his status as one of the world’s greatest football players. By the late 2000s and throughout the 2010s, Messi’s fame continued to soar, making him an international sports icon recognized and celebrated by people of all ages around the world.

Lionel messi’s Family And Children

Lionel Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo . The couple has known each other since they were children, as Roccuzzo is Messi’s childhood friend. They got married in a ceremony in Rosario, Argentina, in 2017. Together, they have three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

Lionel messi’s Net Worth And Salary

Lionel Messi’s net worth and salary were substantial due to his successful football career and various endorsements. His net worth was estimated to be around $600 million, and he was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. Messi’s salary at FC Barcelona, prior to his departure from the club in August 2021, was reported to be among the highest in football, with various sources estimating it at around €70–100 million annually.

Lionel messi’s lifestyle

Lionel Messi’s lifestyle is characterized by a mix of his football-focused dedication, his family-oriented values, and his personal interests. He has been known for maintaining a relatively low-key and private lifestyle despite his global fame. Messi’s lifestyle includes spending quality time with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having been involved in various charitable initiatives and donations to support causes such as healthcare and education.

In terms of interests outside of football, Messi is a fan of video games and has collaborated with game developers on projects related to his image and brand. He is also a fan of music and has expressed admiration for artists like Celia Cruz and reggaeton music . While he maintains a level of privacy, his social media presence offers glimpses into his life, featuring moments with his family, training routines, and occasional insights into his personal interests.

Lionel messi’s Daily Routine

Lionel Messi’s daily routine is geared towards maintaining his fitness, training, spending time with his family, and fulfilling various professional commitments. While specific details may vary, here’s a general overview of what his daily routine might have looked like:

Morning: Messi likely started his day with a nutritious breakfast, considering the importance of fueling his body for intense training sessions. His mornings likely involved some form of training, which might include individual skill work, fitness exercises, and tactical drills.

Afternoon: After training, Messi might have focused on recovery, which could involve stretching, physical therapy, and perhaps ice baths or other treatments to help his body recover from the physical demands of training and matches. He might also have had lunch with his family and spent quality time with them.

Evening: Messi’s evenings might have included spending time with his wife and children, engaging in leisure activities like playing video games or watching TV, and having dinner with his family.

Professional Commitments: Beyond training, Messi’s routine would also involve various professional commitments, including media appearances, sponsor obligations, and meetings related to his football career and endorsements.

Lionel Messi’s Hobbies

Lionel Messi has several hobbies and interests outside of football that he has shared over the years. Some of his known hobbies include:

1. Video Games: Messi has expressed his fondness for playing video games, particularly during his downtime. He has been a fan of games like FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer, which are related to his field of expertise.

2. Spending Time with Family: Family is incredibly important to Messi. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Antonela, and their three children. Many of his social media posts feature moments with his family.

3. Music: Messi has mentioned his appreciation for music, especially reggaeton and Latin music. He has been known to share his favorite songs and artists on social media.

4. Travel: Given his international football career, Messi has had the opportunity to travel to various countries and experience different cultures. While not necessarily a hobby, his travels have likely contributed to his personal growth and cultural enrichment.

5. Charity Work: Messi is actively involved in philanthropic efforts. While not a traditional hobby, his dedication to charitable causes reflects his commitment to giving back to society.

6. Collecting Memorabilia: Messi has a collection of football memorabilia from other legendary players and teams. He has traded shirts with fellow professionals, contributing to his collection of jerseys.

Lionel Messi’s Famous Quotes

Here are some famous quotes by Lionel Messi:

• “I always thought that I wanted to be the best, but I never really imagined myself being this good.”
• “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”
• “I start early, and I stay late, day after day, year after year. It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.”
• “Money is not a motivating factor. Money doesn’t thrill me or make me play better because there are benefits to being wealthy. I’m just happy with a ball at my feet. My motivation comes from playing the game I love.”
• “The day you think there are no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.”
• “It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.”
• “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a happy and smiling child. I always help in any way I can, even if it’s just by signing an autograph. A child’s smile is worth more than all the money in the world.”
• “Whether it’s a friendly match, or for points, or a final, or any game — I play the same. I’m always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans, and to try and win.”
• “I prefer to win titles with the team ahead of individual awards or scoring more goals than anyone else. I’m more worried about being a good person than being the best football player in the world.”
• “In football as in watchmaking, talent and elegance mean nothing without rigor and precision.”

Why Is Lionel Messi Inspirational For Us?

Lionel Messi is inspirational due to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and humility. His journey from overcoming childhood challenges to becoming a global football icon showcases the power of perseverance and hard work. His family values, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to teamwork underline the importance of kindness, giving back, and collaboration.

Messi’s ability to consistently deliver outstanding performances on the world stage teaches us the significance of maintaining excellence and resilience. His story motivates us to dream big, work tirelessly, and embody values that lead to personal and societal growth, making him an enduring source of inspiration for people of all ages.

What Can You Learn From Lionel Messi’s Biography?

From Lionel Messi’s biography, you can learn about the transformative impact of dedication, perseverance, and resilience in achieving exceptional goals. His journey underscores the value of embracing challenges, overcoming setbacks, and continuously honing one’s skills to reach the pinnacle of success.

The importance of maintaining humility and gratitude despite fame and accomplishments becomes evident through his story. Messi’s family-oriented values, philanthropic endeavors, and collaborative spirit emphasize the significance of giving back, fostering relationships, and working as part of a team.

Ultimately, his biography offers profound insights into the power of talent, hard work, and a positive mindset in not only excelling in one’s field but also making a positive impact on the world.

How did Messi’s growth hormone deficiency impact his early years?

Messi’s growth hormone deficiency required medical treatment and financial support from FC Barcelona, showcasing the club’s belief in his potential even at a young age.

What are Messi’s favorite hobbies outside of football?

When not on the pitch, Messi enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and indulging in a game of basketball.

How does Messi handle the pressure of being a football icon?

Messi’s mental fortitude and dedication to maintaining a balanced life play a significant role in helping him handle the pressures of fame and expectations.

What is Messi’s most memorable career moment?

Winning the UEFA Champions League title with FC Barcelona in 2009 stands as one of Messi’s most cherished career moments.

How has Messi contributed to charity?

Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education initiatives for vulnerable children.

What is the significance of Messi’s jersey number 10?

The jersey number 10 holds great significance in football history and is often associated with the team’s playmaker and creative genius, which perfectly embodies Messi’s style of play.

Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy with a dream to a global football legend is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans around the world. His dedication to his craft, strong values, and humility have contributed to his immense success both on and off the field. Through his unwavering commitment, Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and continues to be a role model for generations to come.

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Antonella roccuzzo net worth and salary, married to husband, lionel messi, blessed with three children, antonella roccuzzo height, body measurements, how old is antonella roccuzzo, what does antonella roccuzzo do for a living, what is antonella roccuzzo net worth, who is antonella roccuzzo husband, how long have messi and antonella been together, how many children does antonella roccuzzo have, what is antonella roccuzzo height, what are antonella roccuzzo body measurements, antonella roccuzzo, the name is famous as a model, an instagram star with more than 19.5 million followers and the wife of lionel messi. now let’s know more about her including her job, and more through this wiki.

Born on February 26, 1988 , Antonella Roccuzzo was born in Santa Fe, Rosario, Argentina. She was born to her parents, Jose Roccuzzo and Patricia Blanko . She is Argentine by nationality and belongs to the white ethnicity. Her zodiac sign is Pisces. Paula and Carla Roccuzzo are two sibling sisters of her. For education, she went to the National University of Rosario.

Antonella is a successful entrepreneur apart from being an Instagram star, and the wife of Messi. She owns her shop which she initiated in December 2016 along with Luis Suarez’s wife Sofia and Ricky Sarkany, a shoe designer. She also earns as a model, and for endorsing different brands. Antonella has signed a contract with Ricky Sarkany as of now.

Roccuzzo’s net value also includes her husband’s earnings, as both are two parts of a coin. Her husband’s net worth is $600 million . Summing all up, her sole estimated net worth is $20 million as of 2024.

Antonella is famous not just for being a successful entrepreneur or a model, but also for being a supporting partner of FC Barcelona’s captain Lionel Messi. The duo is always together, since 1996. Once, Messi revealed how he fell for her at just nine years old. He tried his best to express his feelings but always failed.

However, both started their life as a couple in 2007 and revealed it to the whole world in 2008. Their bond grew when Messi went back to Antonella’s hometown Rosario, to calm her after her friend’s death. Messi decided to make his relationship public when he was asked about his dating life in TV3’s ‘Hat Trick Barca.’

On June 30, 2017, the pair exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony held in Rosario, Argentina . Lots and lots of celebrities were invited to the ceremony including Suarez, Sofia Dazzle, Karina Tejeda, Daniella Semaan, Aguero and Fabregas.

From the marriage, the duo is blessed with three children . Their first son Thiago came to this world on 2nd November 2012. After three years, the pair welcomed their second child Mateo on 11th September 2015.

In February 2018, Messi and Antonella revealed the fifth member of their family. The fifth member came to this world as a son, Ciro, on 11th March 2018.

Roccuzzo is decently tall with a height of 5 feet 2 inches which is equal to 1.57 m and weighs 56 kg . Her skin is white-toned, has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her body is measured at 35-25-36 inches .

Antonella Roccuzzo’s FAQs

Antonella is 35 years old, born February 26, 1988.

Antonella is a model, who promotes, display or advertise commercial products, and does modeling for a living.

As of 2024, Antonella net worth is $20 million, while her husband Lionel has a $600 million net worth.

Antonella is married to her husband, Lionel Messi, who is a star football player.

Messi and Antonella have been together since July 2007, however, the relationship was discovered by the public only in 2009.

Antonella shares three children with her husband.

Antonella has a decent height of 5 feet 2 inches or 1.57 m.

Antonella body is measured at 35-25-36 inches.

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