How Did Lionel Messi’s Net Worth Reach $650 Million?

Lionel Messi. Just the name brings a smile, doesn’t it? A magician with the ball, a player who has painted the most beautiful pictures on the football canvas for so many years. A shy boy at a young age of 17, who burst onto the scene in Barcelona and later took on the whole world, as we all know. His journey is no less than sheer excellence and hard work. And as we wonder about his goals, we need to also look at the cash he gets in his bank account. This is the story of how his on-field genius has translated into a financial empire. So, let’s dive straight into the fascinating world of his earnings, tracing the evolution of his contracts and getting a glimpse into what makes up Lionel Messi’s net worth. It’s a journey as captivating as his dribbling runs and by the end of this blog, you’ll surely agree with this.

Let’s have a quick overview of the sources contributing to Lionel Messi’s net worth

Salary and Football Contracts

Lionel Messi’s net worth has touched the sky due to his massive football contracts and endorsement deals. His career earnings span from FC Barcelona to PSG and Inter Miami, with each contract setting new financial benchmarks.

And not to forget, that this GOAT did come out of his retirement as he was not just satisfied with the money. He wanted to win the FIFA World Cup for his very own country, Argentina, and he did it in style in 2022. He also took a significant amount home by representing his country.

FC Barcelona Contracts

• February 2004: Messi signed his first pro contract, nine months before his official debut.

• June 2005: His contract was extended until 2010, with a €150 million release clause.

• September 2005: Just three months later, he signed another deal, committing until 2014 with a salary hike.

• March 2007: His weekly wage rose to €100,000.

• September 2009: A new seven-year contract increased his release clause to €250 million.

• November 2017: His final Barcelona contract (valid until 2021) was worth over $650 million if all conditions were met.

• Contract Leak (2021): Messi’s four-year deal was valued at €555 million, making him the highest-paid athlete globally.
  

PSG Contracts

• August 2021: Messi joined PSG with a two-year contract, earning €35 million net per season.

• Financials:

• €110 million over three seasons.

• €30 million net in the first year, followed by €40 million annually.

• Loyalty bonus: €15 million gross (€10 million net).

• Signing bonus: $30 million.

• Image rights boosted his total annual salary to $75 million.

Inter Miami Contracts

• 2023: Messi signed a deal with Inter Miami, valid until the end of the 2025 MLS season.

• Financials:

• Base salary: $12 million.

• Total guaranteed compensation: $20,446,667 annually.

• Contract value: $150 million, including equity in the club post-retirement.

• Profit-sharing deals with Adidas and Apple TV+, boosting his earnings.

• Option to own a stake in Inter Miami after his contract ends.

Argentina National Team Earnings

• 2020-2025: Messi earned $60 million from Argentina’s national team.

• 2021: He signed a contract worth $2.5 million per year.

• Bonuses: His income increased after winning the Copa America (2021) and the FIFA World Cup (2022).

Lionel Messi’s net worth not only surpasses most footballers but also exceeds the entire payroll of several MLS teams.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Lionel Messi’s net worth has taken off ever since he started coming on screen, but not just to play. But also to endorse the brands and sponsorships. His partnerships with top global brands have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Major Endorsements Over the Years

Since 2006, Messi has partnered with several industry giants, boosting his financial success:

• Adidas: Messi shook hands with Adidas in 2006 and became the face of the brand. In 2017, he inked a lifetime contract, reportedly worth $1 billion, earning him around €10 million annually. Some reports claim he makes up to €20 million per year from Adidas alone.

• PepsiCo: For years, Messi has promoted PepsiCo products, including Pepsi, Lay’s, and Gatorade. His commercials often feature other football stars.

• Huawei: In 2016, he became a Huawei brand ambassador, earning €6 million annually.

• OrCam: In 2020, Messi partnered with OrCam Technologies which is an eyecare brand, as their ambassador under a three-year deal. However, the details of the deal are not disclosed.

• Socios.com: In March 2022, Messi signed a three-year deal with Socios.com, a crypto fan platform, worth $20 million.

• Más+ by Messi: This year, i.e, in 2025, he launched his brand in the arena of hydration drinks with the name of Más+ by Messi, which is also now the official hydration partner of Inter Miami.

Fun fact: He also did one ad in 2022 with his arch rival CR7, for Louis Vuitton during the World Cup, which he ended up winning.

Sponsorship Earnings and Growth

Messi’s sponsorship income has grown consistently:

• Adidas lifetime deal: Earns him €10 million annually.

• 2023 sponsorship deals: Generated over $55 million.

• Annual endorsement income: Totals around $75 million from all his sponsorships.

Brands Endorsed

Throughout his career, Messi has worked with over 20 brands across multiple industries, including:

• Sportswear: Adidas

• Beverages: Pepsi, Gatorade, Budweiser

• Tech and Telecom: Huawei, OrCam, Ooredoo

• Luxury and finance: Jacob & Co., Mastercard

Current Sponsors in 2025

As of early 2025, Messi maintains deals with several major brands:

• Adidas

• Más+ by Messi (his own hydration drink)

• Lay’s

• Hard Rock International

• Konami eFootball

• Mastercard

• Lowe’s

Lionel Messi’s net worth continues to climb, driven by these lucrative endorsements, making him a dominant force in sports marketing.

Business Ventures and Investments

Lionel Messi has built a financial empire by strategically investing in multiple sectors. From hospitality and fashion to real estate and sports tech, his ventures significantly contribute to Lionel Messi’s net worth.

Timeline of Ventures:

• MiM Hotels (2017): Partnering with Majestic Hotel Group, Messi launched this hotel chain, operating properties in Spain and Andorra. As of 2024, his hotels generate over $400 million monthly. It has contributed 18.5% of the €73 million invoiced by the holding in Spain (2023).

• The Messi Store (2019): His clothing line offers apparel and accessories. Sales dropped to $83,280 Q1 2024 versus $289,555 a year earlier. In 2023, the store earned $1.7 million but was basically loss $1.9 million. 

• Play Time Sports-Tech HoldCo (2022): This investment firm focuses on sports, media, and tech. It aims to raise $200 million in capital.

• Edificio Rostower Socimi (2024): His real estate investment trust (REIT) debuted at €57.4 per share, reaching a valuation of €223.2 million.

Messi’s calculated business moves continue to expand Lionel Messi’s net worth, making him a dominant force both on and off the field.

Real Estate

Lionel Messi’s net worth isn’t just driven by his football career—it’s also powered by his strategic real estate ventures. His property portfolio, valued at millions, spans globally. Be it Spain or the United States. And Argentina can’t be excluded from the list and I should not mention the reason.

His real estate investments include luxury mansions, condos, hotels, and commercial properties, making him a serious player in the real estate game.

Messi’s Prime Real Estate Locations

• Castelldefels, Spain (2009): Messi bought a home near Barcelona for $1.8 million and spent $6 million on renovations. By 2024, it’s worth around $7 million.

• Sunny Isles Beach, Miami (2019): He purchased a Porsche Design Tower condo for $5 million. It was listed for $7 million in 2021.

• Sunny Isles Beach, Miami (2021): Messi bought the entire ninth floor of the Regalia Tower for $7.3 million but relisted it just seven months later.

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2023): He acquired a waterfront mansion for $10.75 million. It’s now valued at over $11 million.

• Rosario, Argentina: His mansion, known as The Fortress, is worth around $50 million as of 2023.

• Ibiza (2022): Messi purchased a mansion on the island for £9.5 million.

Features of Messi’s Properties

• Castelldefels Mansion: This lavish home includes a gym, spa, theater, pool, and a soccer field. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

• Sunny Isles Beach Condos: The Porsche condo boasts a car elevator and ocean views. The Regalia Tower unit features a wine room, terrace, and spa access.

• Fort Lauderdale Mansion: This property includes 8 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, a three-car garage, and a pool. It also offers waterfront access and boat docks.

• Rosario Mansion: The Fortress has a gym, a large theater, and an underground garage with 15 parking spots.

Messi’s Real Estate Investment Trust

Messi’s real estate assets are held under Edificio Rostower Socimi, a REIT that covers seven hotels, commercial properties, and residential units across Spain, Andorra, London, and Paris.

Sales and Valuations:

• Porsche Condo: Listed for $7 million in 2021.

• Regalia Tower Unit: Relisted just seven months after purchase.

• Fort Lauderdale Mansion: Valued at over $11 million in 2024.

• Castelldefels Mansion: Estimated at $7 million.

• Rosario Mansion: Worth approximately $50 million.

• Edificio Rostower Socimi: Valued at $232 million.

Messi’s real estate portfolio not only boosts Lionel Messi’s net worth but also highlights his sharp financial acumen beyond the football field.

Luxury Assets

Well, it’s obvious that once you reach that stage where you can afford anything and everything, you invest more in assets that not only keep your wealth safe but also the valuation increases. But the catch here is, those assets are something which you can use daily as well. Like cars, luxury watches, etc. And the story of Lionel Messi’s net worth is no exclusion to this.

Now the question is, what does he own? And what’s it’s worth? Hold on as we are heading straight at it.

Car Collection

Messi’s garage is worth around $3.6 million, packed with some of the most luxurious and powerful cars in the world:

• Pagani Zonda Tricolore – Priced at a staggering $1.6 million, it’s the rarest gem in his collection.

• Mercedes SLS AMG – Worth $640,000, famous for its iconic gullwing doors.

• Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale – Valued at $242,000, a ride he often uses when visiting Argentina.

• Ferrari F430 Spider – Around $200,000, this convertible supercar offers pure adrenaline on wheels.

• Audi R8 V10 – Priced at $160,000, known for its speed and sleek design.

• Audi RS6 – Valued at $120,000, a high-performance luxury wagon.

• Audi A7 – Around $69,000, combining elegance with everyday practicality.

• Audi Q7 – Priced at $55,000, a family-friendly SUV with style.

• Range Rover Vogue – Worth $190,000, offering both luxury and off-road capability.

• Range Rover Sport – Around $80,500, blending agility with comfort.

• Cadillac Escalade – Valued at $95,195, a symbol of American luxury.

• Lexus RX 450h – Priced at $46,800, a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV.

• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – Worth $42,000, built for adventure.

• Mini Cooper S Convertible – Around $39,000, compact, stylish, and fun to drive.

There’s also a buzz that he might own a Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, rumored to be worth $36 million, though it’s never been confirmed.

Watch Collection

Messi’s wrist game is just as strong. His watch collection is no less than a royal collection of some of the most prestigious brands in the world. And as we say, prestige comes at a high cost, and this cost will make your head spin:

• Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A – Valued at $140,000, with a sleek black dial and stainless steel case.

• Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5270P ‘Green’ – Worth $230,000, featuring a stunning green dial.

• Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1G – Priced at $250,000, made of 18K white gold.

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master Ref. 126655 – Around $39,000, perfect for both land and sea.

• Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi – Valued at $90,000, designed in collaboration with Messi himself.

• Rolex Submariner Date 116659 SABR – Priced at $160,000, featuring sapphires and diamonds.

• Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi – Around $128,000, limited to 180 pieces.

• Rolex Daytona Rainbow 116598RBOW – Retailing at $132,500, but fetching around $500,000 on the market.

Private Jet

In 2018, Messi buys himself an Gulfstream V private jet that he flies in style. Room config 16 seats in this jet, Psn 5, FOUR TVs, a cabin totally equipped with female, tecnically, that sounds like an entire house in a PlayStation 5. And what could be the cost? Any Guess? It’s $15 million only. Additionally, to give it another personal effect, you will notice his jersey number 10 on the outside and the names of his wife and children on the steps. 

Custom Bike

Now here’s where things go crazy! We have seen so many celebs owning almost everything, but this guy is out of the blue. He owns a Custom Bike, which is owned by I think very less people, as far as I know. In 2025, Messi is set to launch a custom bike, estimated to be worth between €10,000 and €15,000. Though details are still under wraps, it’s expected to be a blend of style and performance.

Art Collection

Messi also has an eye for art. His collection includes NFTs from the “Messiverse,” a collaboration with BossLogic, sold on Ethernity. In 2015, a painting of him by Takashi Murakami was valued at $488,000.

If I have to put it in words, Lionel Messi’s net worth is on display on a big screen just like a reply to his glorious feet moment on the field.

Key Takeaways

Let’s try to dig a bit deeper into what Messi’s financial journey really tells us, beyond just the impressive numbers. It’s almost like watching a replay in slow motion, and you catch the finer details, the real lessons.

• Play the Long Game, But Stay Agile: Messi’s career is a marathon, not a sprint, and his long-term deals reflect that. But he’s also been smart about adapting, like moving to new leagues and exploring different ventures. It’s about having that staying power, but also being ready to seize new opportunities when they appear.

• Your Brand is Your Power: Think about it – Messi’s name is gold. And he’s built that through incredible performances, yes, but also by carefully choosing who he aligns with. It makes you wonder about the power of your own personal brand, whatever you do, and how you nurture it.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Explore New Territories: From hotels to tech, Messi’s stepped outside the football pitch with his investments. It’s a reminder that your skills and influence can extend beyond your main field, and sometimes the most exciting growth happens when you try something new.

• Look for More Than Just the Immediate Score: That move to Miami with equity in the club? That’s thinking like a true strategist. It’s not just about the salary today, but about building something for the future. It prompts us to consider the bigger picture in our own decisions.

The bottom line is that Lionel Messi’s net worth it is more about mentality over matter as well. It’s about hard work, right choices made and always find something to improve yourself. That is a pretty interesting playbook, isn’t it? 

Tejas Tahmankar