Lionel Messi net worth has reached extraordinary heights as of 2025, securing his status among the world’s wealthiest athletes. Messi’s career earnings have topped $1.28 billion, putting him in elite company within global sports.
His financial journey includes over 20 years of high-profile contracts, primarily with FC Barcelona, followed by Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, where he continues to earn handsomely.
His move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has unlocked additional revenue streams, including partnerships with AppleTV and Adidas.
This article by Sports Buddy delves into the background, career, achievements, relationships and of course Lionel Messi net worth, also highlighting the sources of his wealth and his luxurious lifestyle.
Background and Early Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Argentina |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Parents | Jorge Horacio Messi (father), Celia María Cuccittini (mother) |
| Siblings | Rodrigo, Matías, María Sol |
| Spouse | Antonela Roccuzzo (married 2017) |
| Children | 3 (Thiago, Mateo, Ciro) |
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, to father Jorge Horacio Messi and mother Celia María Cuccittini.
Growing up with three siblings (brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and sister María Sol) Messi showed extraordinary football talent from an early age. At just 8 years old, he joined Newell’s Old Boys’ youth academy in his hometown.
At age 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, which threatened his football career. His family struggled to afford the expensive treatment, costing over $1,000 per month.
Despite these challenges, he continued to develop his skills while maintaining his education at local schools in Rosario.
His early life was marked by both exceptional talent and significant medical challenges that shaped his determination and resilience.
Professional Career
| Club/Country (Period) | Major Achievements |
|---|---|
| FC Barcelona (2004-2021) | 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 8 Ballon d’Or awards |
| Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023) | 2 Ligue 1 titles, 1 Trophée des Champions |
| Inter Miami (2023-Present) | Leagues Cup 2023 |
| Argentina National Team (2005-Present) | 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima |
Lionel Messi’s professional career stands as a story of unprecedented success, defined by record-breaking individual awards and legendary team achievements across Europe and America.
Barcelona
His journey to stardom began with FC Barcelona, a club he joined as a 13-year-old. He made his senior team debut at age 17 and quickly became an key part of one of the most successful eras in football history.
During his 17 seasons with Barcelona, Messi led the club to an astonishing 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies. His peak years included scoring 91 goals in a single calendar year in 2012, breaking a decades-old world record, and leading Barcelona to two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015.
He left the club as its all-time top scorer with 672 goals and won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, with the first seven coming during his time at Barcelona.
PSG
Following his Barcelona tenure, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, winning 2 Ligue 1 titles before making a landmark move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023.
Inter Miami
His impact in the United States was instant, leading the team to its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, upon his arrival. In the 2025 season, he continues to be a dominant force, demonstrating that his magic and ability to decide games remain very much intact.
Argentina
While his club success was immediate, an international trophy with Argentina was the final frontier.
After a heartbreaking loss in the 2014 World Cup final, Messi’s perseverance paid off when he led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, their first major title in 28 years.
The pinnacle of his career came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s true greats.
He won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, largely for his World Cup heroics.
Messi’s career is not just defined by trophies but by his revolutionary playing style, combining incredible dribbling, visionary passing, and clinical finishing.
His legacy extends beyond statistics, influencing a generation of players and changing how the beautiful game is played and perceived worldwide.
With eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi’s accomplishments set him apart, adding immense value to his brand.
Net Worth
Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2025 is valued at $650 million, reflecting his exceptional earnings as one of the highest-paid athletes in history.
This figure encompasses not only his earnings from football but also a portfolio of brand endorsements, business investments, and real estate holdings. His wealth places him among the world’s richest athletes.
Club Contracts and Bonuses
Messi’s primary income source has been his football contracts, beginning with FC Barcelona, where he earned top-tier wages for over two decades.
Following his Barcelona tenure, his contracts with Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami have only expanded his earnings. His current MLS contract, supported by partnerships with Adidas, continues to be lucrative.
Endorsements and Other Income Sources
Endorsements make up a significant portion of Messi’s income, with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard contributing heavily to his wealth.
His business ventures, including the MiM Hotels chain, clothing line, and tech investments through Play Time Sports-Tech, further diversify his income, establishing him as both a sports icon and savvy businessman.
Inter Miami Contract Structure
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is structured with a base salary reportedly ranging between $50 to $60 million per year, including performance-related bonuses and incentives.
His MLS contract is unique, offering him profit-sharing agreements with AppleTV and Adidas.
These arrangements grant him a share of revenue from MLS Season Pass subscriptions on AppleTV, along with a cut of Adidas sales tied to his brand.
Financial Impact of the MLS Move
Messi’s transition to MLS has significantly boosted his financial profile. Beyond his salary, the move amplified his appeal in North America, attracting sponsorships and driving merchandise sales.
His presence in the league has brought global attention to MLS, positioning him as a catalyst for the league’s growth.
This expanded visibility has enhanced his marketability, reinforcing his stature as a top-earning global athlete while opening new revenue avenues within the U.S. sports landscape.
Personal Life
Lionel Messi married his childhood friend Antonela Roccuzzo in 2017, and together they have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
The couple’s love story began in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, where they knew each other since childhood. Despite his global fame, Messi maintains a relatively private family life, often sharing glimpses of his family moments on social media.
The Messi family splits their time between Miami and Argentina, maintaining strong connections to their roots.
Messi is known for his quiet, humble demeanor off the pitch, preferring family time over the celebrity lifestyle.
His wife Antonela has built her own successful career as a model and businesswoman, while also managing their family’s philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does Lionel Mean?
The name Lionel is a masculine given name of French and Greek origin. It means “young lion” or “lion cub”. It is a diminutive of the name Léon, both of which are derived from the Latin word “leon,” meaning “lion.”
Is Lionel Messi a Billionaire?
No. Lionel Messi is not yet a billionaire because his total net worth as of 2025 is estimated at $650 million.
However, Messi has earned over $1 nillion from his football career as Forbes reported that he became the second footballer to earn $1 billion in pre-tax earnings during his professional career. However, his current net worth is generally estimated at $650 million.
Who is Richer, CR7 or Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) is richer than Lionel Messi, based on current net worth estimates. Cristiano Ronaldo has an estimated net worth of $1 billion and is often cited as the first footballer to reach billionaire status. Lionel Messi has an estimated net worth of $650 million.
How Many Cars Does Lionel Messi Own?
Lionel Messi’s car collection is estimated to include between 10 to 15 vehicles. His collection is considered to be one of the most expensive in football, and it reportedly includes a unique 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti (for which he reportedly outbid Ronaldo in 2016), a Pagani Zonda Roadster, and a Mercedes SLS AMG.
Does Messi Have a Private Jet?
Yes, Lionel Messi has a private jet. He and his family use a Gulfstream V aircraft, which he purchased in 2018 for an estimated $15 million. He previously used an Embraer Legacy 650. The jet is customized, with his family’s names engraved on the steps. Some sources suggest he leases the Gulfstream GV and has exclusive use of it.
Which club offered Messi $1 billion?
The club that offered Lionel Messi a contract with a reported value of more than $1 billion (or up to $1.7 billion for three seasons) was Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club. Messi ultimately turned down this offer to sign with Inter Miami in the MLS.
