Lionel Messi has nothing left to prove on the football field, yet his career keeps entering new phases. When he moved to MLS and joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami in 2023, the move was viewed as a late-career adventure. However, it quickly turned into something much bigger.
The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s presence reshaped Major League Soccer‘s global visibility, packed stadiums across the United States, and has turned every appearance into a worldwide event.
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Messi’s move to the USA also marked a shift in how he earns his money. Instead of relying mainly on his club salary, as in his Barcelona years, the 38-year-old superstar now has multiple income streams, including commercial partnerships, sponsorship deals, and business projects built around his global brand. Rather than slowing down in the final stretch of his career, it seems like Messi’s financial growth has actually accelerated.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Lionel Messi’s net worth, his Inter Miami salary, MLS contract details, business ventures, and total career earnings.
Leo Messi’s Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, the Argentine legend holds an estimated net worth of around $850 million, making him one of the richest athletes in the world. Messi amassed much of this wealth during his long run with FC Barcelona, where he signed multiple record-setting contracts.
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With time, his financial profile expanded beyond salary, with sponsorships and global brand partnerships becoming a major part of his fortune.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Salary and MLS Contract
Messi is currently under contract with Javier Mascherano’s side through the 2028 MLS Season, after a multi-year extension. According to Capology, the 38-year-old superstar earns $12 million per year, with the guaranteed compensation rising to about $20.5 million. This makes him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
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The commercial structure built around Messi’s contract with Inter Miami makes it unique. His contract is tied to MLS sponsors Apple and Adidas, giving him a share of revenue from MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV and from merchandise sales linked to Adidas. The deal also gives Messi the option to purchase an ownership stake in Inter Miami after his retirement.
Lionel Messi’s Career Earnings
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match FC Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou stadium(Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
((Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images))
Over a professional career spanning more than two decades, Messi has earned around $1.6 billion in salary alone. The ex-Barcelona captain also has endorsements and brand deals with major companies like Adidas, PepsiCo., Mastercard, Budweiser, and Gatorade, which together generate roughly $70 million in off-field income per year. He also holds diversified assets valued at more than $40 million.
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Business Ventures
Beyond soccer and endorsements, Messi has also steadily built his business portfolio. He marked his direct entry into the consumer product market by launching his own sports hydration drink Mas+. The Ex-PSG star also owns a production company, 525 Rosario, which focuses on sports and entertainment content.
Messi has also invested heavily in real estate and hospitality. The 4-time UCL winner owns and backs luxury hotels in popular European tourist destinations, and also maintains high-value residential properties in Miami and Spain through his MiM Hotels group.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
