Sports

Lionel Messi: A Soccer Star with Stellar Finances

June 7, 2024

3 mins read

Lionel Messi, the soccer superstar, is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, earning over $130 million in 2022, with numerous endorsements including a lifetime deal with Adidas. His net worth is projected to be $650 million by 2024. His move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer has had a significant impact on the league and led to grand ambitions for the club’s future.

Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami footballer, is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with earnings of over $130 million in 2022. He has numerous endorsements, including a lifetime deal with Adidas, and is projected to have a net worth of $650 million by 2024. Messi’s move to Inter Miami has had a significant impact on the MLS, with David Beckham stating that it is only the beginning of the league’s transformation.

Lionel Messi stands out as one of the legendary figures in the world of sports. Recognized as one of the most highly compensated athletes on the planet, the Argentinean and Inter Miami footballer’s financial wealth matches his renowned expertise in the field. In 2022, he amassed over $130 million, with a generous portion of this wealth accruing from sponsorship agreements.

Messi’s Earnings Journey

Despite the fact that Messi’s fame was previously deeply intertwined with Barcelona, this affiliation eventually fell apart. His concluding contract with Barcelona fetched an incredible $165 million each season. When Messi chose to split with Barcelona in August 2021, he is reported to have inked a deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that brought in ‘only’ $41 million per season. However, this figure may not be entirely accurate, as performance incentives could potentially inflate his earnings substantially.

Endorsements and Partnerships

Messi’s associations with major brands reflect his marketability. He has a lifetime sponsorship deal with Adidas, the largest German sportswear manufacturer. Besides Adidas, Messi enjoys profitable business collaborations with a host of reputable companies. These include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cirque du Soleil, Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe Inc., Konami, Mastercard, Ooredoo, Pepsi, Socios.com, and YPF.

As of 2024, Messi’s net worth is projected to be an astonishing $650 million. In 2022, he was the most handsomely paid global athlete, with his career earnings reportedly surpassing $1.3 billion.

Barcelona’s Attempts and Messi’s Move

Prior to Messi’s relocation to Miami, there were whispers about Barcelona’s readiness to go to great lengths to retrieve their wayward star. Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo disclosed that under the chairmanship of Josep Bartomeu, Messi brought in between €250-300 million ($274-329 million) in revenue for Barcelona, generated via merchandising, ticket sales, and sponsorship income.

In Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi holds the crown as the top-earning player, with a yearly salary of $20.4 million. Messi put pen to paper with Inter Miami in 2023 in a deal expiring in 2025, presumed to be worth $150 million. This contract amount includes his player salary, signing bonus, and a share in Inter Miami’s equity.

Impact on MLS and Inter Miami

Upon learning of Messi’s signing, David Beckham confessed to The Times of London that it gave him “goosebumps”. Beckham expressed his belief that Messi’s involvement with the MLS would revolutionize sports in the United States, declaring it was only the beginning.

In Miami, Messi has achieved a high-profile status, complete with a personal security team to keep away intrusive paparazzi, a luxury he was not often afforded in Paris. Inter Miami seemed to be investing in Messi more than just his base salary and his outstanding performances on the pitch have validated their decision. Messi’s arrival has not only boosted the club’s prestige but has also indicated grand ambitions for the league. It seems Lionel Messi is indeed a worthwhile investment for Inter Miami.

1. How much did Lionel Messi earn in 2022?

Lionel Messi earned over $130 million in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

2. What is Lionel Messi’s net worth projected to be in 2024?

Lionel Messi’s net worth is projected to be $650 million by 2024.

3. What major brand does Lionel Messi have a lifetime sponsorship deal with?

Lionel Messi has a lifetime sponsorship deal with Adidas, the largest German sportswear manufacturer.

4. How much did Lionel Messi’s deal with Inter Miami reportedly cost?

Lionel Messi’s deal with Inter Miami, signed in 2023 and expiring in 2025, is presumed to be worth $150 million, including his player salary, signing bonus, and a share in Inter Miami’s equity.

5. What impact has Lionel Messi had on the MLS?

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has had a significant impact on the MLS, with David Beckham stating that it is only the beginning of the league’s transformation. Messi’s arrival has not only boosted the club’s prestige but has also indicated grand ambitions for the league.

6. What other brands does Lionel Messi have business collaborations with?

In addition to Adidas, Lionel Messi has profitable business collaborations with other reputable companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cirque du Soleil, Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe Inc., Konami, Mastercard, Ooredoo, Pepsi, Socios.com, and YPF.

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