Introduction
It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of Lionel Messi. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, everyone knows about his legendary achievements.
From his passion for football, he hasn’t just gained fame but carved a strong financial empire for himself.
Looking at his success today, people often talk about his wealth online. So why not add some clarity and real, factual details?
Not just updated numbers, but also fascinating insights. This one’s for Messi/football fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
So readers, let’s dive in and explore Lionel Messi’s $850M net worth in 2026.
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Messi’s Net Worth in 2026: The Big Picture
Messi has been working hard for two decades to build a financial empire that adds value to his legacy.
In 2026, he owns an estimated net worth of $850 million. Enormous, right? When people search for Lionel Messi’s net worth, often this question is raised:
How did a footballer turn his talent into the massive fortune that is compared with Hollywood and tech giants?
Because he not only depends on one income source, he has built a long-term earning chain. Let’s explore in detail his source of income and his wealth up to 2026.
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On-Field Earnings (Football) |
Off-Field Earnings (Business & Brand) |
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Estimated Total: $60 Million |
Estimated Total: $75 Million |
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Annual Salary estimated: $12,000,000 |
Adidas Lifetime Partnership: $25,000,000+ |
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Fixed Salary: $20,446,667 |
Apple TV Share: Est. $10M–$15M |
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Performance Bonuses: $5,000,000–$10,000,000 |
Global Endorsement: |
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Club Equity Value: 10% Stake in Inter Miami |
Venture ROI: Mas+Hydration,525 Rosario Media, MiM Hotels |
Barcelona & PSG: How Messi Built His Early Fortune
Messi always had a deep interest in football, and at the age of 13, he moved to Spain with his family to play for FC Barcelona’s under-14 team.
Messi chose Barcelona because it was the only club that offered to pay for growth hormone treatment. After 2012, Lionel Messi came on the list of the top wealthy persons.
Trophies, Ballon d’Or awards, and consistent performance added to his value and boosted growth after which, for clubs, he was not only a player but a global asset.
In 2017, he signed a historic contract that people still talk about.
It was a four–year contract for around €555 million, including his fixed salary, performance bonuses, and image rights.
And by that, it became his peak of on–field career and proved massive financial commitment for Barcelona.
He strategically used this contract to generate high earnings that contribute to his long–term wealth.
From his fame and trust, he created various other income sources like endorsements, business, and real estate.
His second big victory was PSG. For 3 years after leaving Barcelona, he played for PSG (Paris Saint-Germain)
It didn’t just add to his fortune but also took his global brand to the next level.
Barcelona and PSG became the core chapters of his journey to $850 Million wealth.
Inter Miami Deal: Why This Contract Changed Everything
How did the Inter Miami contract become a game–changer for Messi? With you, this question came to the minds of many fans.
His deal with Inter Miami reflected a visible growth of club value that rose from $50–60 million to $200 million.
In April 2026, Inter Miami also opened Miami Freedom Park, a $1 billion stadium complex, which pushed the club’s valuation past $1.05 billion and directly increased the value of Messi’s ownership stake.
Messi doesn’t sign contracts—he brings brands, trust, and engagement. Like;
Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey topped global sales in 2025.
In MLS, during 2022–25, the sale of jerseys rose to 41%
90% addition in season tickets even after higher prices.
It proves the strong presence of Messi that not only benefits him but also anything associated with him.
People who expected him to return to Argentina after 2025 may be surprised to know that Messi signed a major contract extension in October 2025, committing him to Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 season.
These contracts not only add value to his wealth but also shift perspectives.
With a massive global fanbase behind him, Messi can influence brands and even market sentiment.
This is the kind of change that comes after signing deals like Inter Miami.
Endorsements & Lifetime Brand Partnerships
It is difficult to calculate the exact number, but it’ll be in tens of millions for sure.
In 2021, as per Forbes reports, he made $33 million through deals like Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade, which later evolved to $65 million.
The real shift came with his lifetime Adidas deal worth approx $1 billion, including revenue sharing and sales percentage.
By 2026, sponsorships had turned into full commercial partnerships, especially around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Apple TV
Lowe’s
Stanley
Royal Caribbean
Hard Rock
Saudi Tourism
These are some endorsements helping him grow financially in 2026 and also adding value to his global brand.
Real Estate and Business Investments
Apart from on–field wealth and endorsement deals, there is another strong pillar of his $850M wealth, and that is real estate & business ventures.
Messi listed his real estate company, Edificio Rostower Socimi (ERTW), on the Spanish stock market in December 2024, with a valuation of $232 million, backed by luxury hotel assets.
Besides this, Messi owns two brands that connect with the global audience: Más+ by Messi and 525 Rosario.
In 2026, Más+ shifted its strategy by slowing down mass expansion and focusing on selected high-performing markets,
prioritizing long-term brand value over rapid scale. He invests in valuable assets like one in Miami.
It is not for his elite lifestyle but for a strong empire in future that not only adds value to his bank but also to his brand.
Lifestyle, Philanthropy, and Long-Term Legacy
With enormous wealth, you can imagine the lifestyle Lionel Messi must be living.
If you think his life must be around private jets, yachts, rare cars, and luxury apartments, then you’ve guessed it right.
Also, he truly believes in giving back to the community, the ones who supported him to create a legacy.
All his Philanthropic works run through the Leo Messi Foundation, not only this, but he also supports healthcare and youth sports events to raise awareness and inspire youth.
Conclusion: Is Messi on Track to Become a Billionaire?
Well, yes, after looking at his ongoing strategies and hardwork I don’t think he’ll take much longer to be a billionaire.
Messi isn’t just breaking records on the pitch—he’s building a legacy off it too.
With smart contracts, global endorsements, and Inter Miami equity, his wealth keeps growing year after year.
By the time the 2026 World Cup hype peaks and his Miami deals fully play out, Messi is on track to officially join the billionaire club—proof that a footballer’s impact can go far beyond the game.
FAQs
What is Messi’s net worth?
In 2026, Lionel Messi owns an estimated net worth of $850 million from key sources like football, business, endorsements, and real estate.
Is Leo Messi a billionaire?
No. Leo Messi is not a billionaire yet. Despite massive earnings, his wealth remains below one billion dollars after taxes, expenses, and long-term investments.
Who is the richest, Ronaldo or Messi?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Cristiano Ronaldo has gone beyond Messi. As Ronaldo had a net worth of $800 million in 2025, he is now said to be worth $1.4 billion, over Messi’s $850 million.
Who is the highest-paid soccer player?
In 2026, the highest-paid soccer player in terms of total annual income is Cristiano Ronaldo ($285M total), but Lionel Messi,leads in the Western Hemisphere and through equity-based growth.
