Lionel Messi Net Worth 2025: How He Built an $850 Million Fortune Through Football and Endorsements

From breaking world records on the pitch to building a financial empire off it, Lionel Messi has transformed his legendary football career into a fortune few athletes can rival.

At 37, the Argentine superstar is not only known as one of the greatest footballers of all time—with eight Ballon d’Or titles and a World Cup under his belt—but also as a global icon with massive influence both on and off the field.

As of 2025, Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be a staggering $850 million—and the number continues to climb. He also ranks on our list of the Top 50 Richest Soccer Players in the World.

Between his headline-making move to Inter Miami, lucrative endorsement deals, and new business ventures like his own energy drink, Messi remains as relevant and marketable as ever.

In this article, we’ll break down Lionel Messi net worth 2025 in full: from his record-breaking salary and endorsement empire to his real estate, luxury assets, career milestones, and what continues to drive his immense wealth. Keep reading to see how Messi built one of the richest legacies in sports history.

Lionel Messi Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be $850 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. His financial growth reflects not only an unparalleled football career but also decades of carefully curated brand partnerships, smart business moves, and international recognition.

Estimated Net Worth Over the Years

Year	Estimated Net Worth	Key Highlights
2015	$200 million	Peak years at FC Barcelona
2018	$400 million	Multiple Ballon d’Or wins, top salary
2020	$450 million	Final years at Barcelona
2022	$600 million	PSG contract, strong endorsements
2023	$700 million	Move to Inter Miami, Forbes top-earner
2025	$850 million	Business expansion, endorsement surge

Contributors to Lionel Messi’s Wealth

Club Contracts and Salaries: Messi’s long tenure at FC Barcelona saw him command one of the highest salaries in football history. His recent Inter Miami deal in MLS includes lucrative bonuses and revenue-sharing elements (e.g. Apple and Adidas revenue).

Endorsements: He earns an estimated $70–75 million annually from deals with Adidas, Pepsi, Tata Motors, Konami, and more. His lifetime deal with Adidas alone is worth tens of millions per year.

Business Ventures: In 2024, Messi launched Más+, a sports and energy drink brand, and 525 Rosario, a media production company—both expected to generate significant long-term revenue.

Social Media & Image Rights: With over 500 million followers on Instagram, Messi monetizes his brand at scale, ranking among the highest-paid influencers in sports.

“Lionel Messi is not just a sports icon—he’s a billion-dollar brand built on consistency, credibility, and global reach.”
– Kurt Badenhausen, Senior Editor, Forbes, 2023

How Lionel Messi Makes Money in 2025

Lionel Messi’s wealth is the result of multiple income streams that span elite football contracts, global endorsements, and growing business ventures. Here’s a breakdown of how the football legend earns his fortune:

Salaries and Club Contracts

Messi’s primary income has historically come from his football salaries, especially during his long tenure at FC Barcelona, where he reportedly earned over $160 million per year (including bonuses and image rights) before his contract ended in 2021.

At Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his salary was around $35–41 million per year after taxes.

Currently with Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi earns an estimated $20–25 million annually, but that figure can rise significantly due to profit-sharing agreements with Apple TV (MLS Season Pass) and Adidas, giving him a slice of league-wide commercial revenue.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Endorsements are Messi’s most consistent and high-earning stream of income outside football. In 2025, he earns an estimated $70–75 million annually through sponsorships.

Key endorsement deals include:

• Adidas: Lifetime partnership with his signature line of boots and apparel.
• PepsiCo: Long-standing relationship across global campaigns.
• Konami: Featured in Pro Evolution Soccer and EA Sports’ games.
• Gatorade, Tata Motors, Budweiser, Jacob & Co., Audemars Piguet, and more.

Investments and Business Ventures

Messi has increasingly stepped into entrepreneurship, diversifying his income with scalable ventures:

Más+: A sports and energy drink brand launched in 2024 in Miami, created in collaboration with Anthony von Mandl (founder of White Claw). This brand is expected to rival giants like Gatorade in Latin and North American markets.

525 Rosario: A film, sports, and commercial production company launched in 2024, aimed at producing sports documentaries and branded content.

These ventures position Messi for long-term income even after retirement.

Other Income Sources

Social media: With over 500 million Instagram followers, Messi commands up to $1 million per sponsored post, putting him among the highest-paid influencers in the world.

Appearance Fees: Global events, brand launches, and charity galas often pay Messi six-figure sums for a single appearance.

Licensing & Image Rights: Messi’s likeness is used in video games, merchandise, and branded collectibles, which earn royalties across markets.

“Messi’s endorsement income rivals that of Hollywood A-listers. His global appeal allows him to transcend the limitations of sport.”
– Jane Stevenson, Entertainment Business Analyst, Bloomberg, 2024

Lionel Messi Career Timeline

Early Life & Youth Career

• 1987: Born June 24 in Rosario, Argentina.
• 1995–2000: Played youth football for Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario.
• 2000: Moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, with the club covering growth hormone treatment costs.

Professional Debut & Rise at Barcelona

• 2003: Made first-team debut for FC Barcelona in a friendly at age 16.
• 2004: Official competitive debut in La Liga at age 17.
• 2005: Scored first senior goal; helped win La Liga.
• 2009: Won first Ballon d’Or and Champions League under Pep Guardiola.
• 2012: Set record for most goals in a calendar year (91 goals).
• 2014–2015: Helped Barça win the treble; won UEFA Best Player in Europe.

Global Recognition & Record-Breaking

• 2017: Signed record-breaking contract with Barcelona—worth over $650 million over four years (highest sports contract ever at the time).
• 2019: Won 6th Ballon d’Or; reclaimed FIFA Best Men’s Player award.
• 2020: Became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer (672 goals).

International Glory with Argentina

• 2021: Won first senior international title—Copa América.
• 2022: Captained Argentina to FIFA World Cup victory; awarded Golden Ball.
• 2024: Won second Copa América title with Argentina.

Transfers, Business Moves & Wealth Expansion

• 2021: Transferred to Paris Saint-Germain after Barcelona financial issues.
• 2022: Net worth estimated at $600 million.
• 2023: Signed with Inter Miami CF; included Apple and Adidas revenue-sharing deals.
• 2024: Launched Más+, his own sports & energy drink brand.
• 2024: Founded 525 Rosario, a production company.

Recent Achievements & Net Worth Peak

• 2023: Won 8th Ballon d’Or—a record.
• 2024: Named MLS MVP, fastest player to reach 40 goals in MLS history.
• 2025: Estimated net worth reaches $850 million; continues to be one of the top-earning athletes in the world.

“Few athletes have rewritten the record books like Messi. Every milestone has added both to his legacy and to his market value.”
– Guillem Balagué, Football Journalist & Author of Messi, BBC Sport, 2022

Also See: Top 50 Richest Soccer Players in the World

Lionel Messi’s Assets and Luxury Lifestyle

Lionel Messi’s immense net worth isn’t just numbers on paper—it’s reflected in an opulent lifestyle filled with real estate, exotic cars, designer fashion, and high-end indulgences. As of 2025, the football icon has curated a luxury portfolio that spans continents and reflects his elite status.

Real Estate: Homes Across Continents

Rosario, Argentina: Messi’s hometown estate, known as “The Fortress,” is a massive compound featuring a private theater, gym, and soccer pitch. Located in the exclusive suburb of Funes, it’s estimated to be worth $4–5 million.

Barcelona, Spain: His long-time residence in Castelldefels—overlooking the Mediterranean—includes a private gym, pool, and football field. Estimated value: $7 million.

Miami, USA: Though not confirmed publicly, Messi has been linked to multiple Miami real estate purchases following his 2023 signing with Inter Miami, including luxury condos in Porsche Design Tower and Regalia Tower, valued around $5–10 million each.

Luxury Cars Collection

Messi owns a fleet of exotic and customized vehicles:

• Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti – Reportedly purchased for $37 million, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world.
• Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
• Audi R8, Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes SLS AMG
• Lexus RX, Cadillac Escalade—more family-oriented SUVs

His garage is valued well above $10 million, with new additions regularly rotated in.

Private Jet and Travel

• Messi owns a custom Gulfstream V private jet, worth approximately $15 million.
• The jet is personalized with family names on the steps and the number 10 on the tail.
• He uses it frequently for travel between the U.S., Argentina, and Europe.

Jewelry, Fashion & Personal Style

• Known for his clean and sharp fashion sense, Messi is a fan of luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Jacob & Co. (with whom he partnered on a custom watch line).
• He’s been spotted wearing limited-edition watches, including an Epic X Chrono Messi edition valued at $180,000+.
• Frequently appears in luxury streetwear and bespoke suits during award shows and brand events.

Unusual or Unique Purchases

• Theme park: Messi licensed his name to the “Messi Experience Park” in China (project currently paused).
• Hotel Investments: He owns stakes in the MiM Hotels chain, operated by Majestic Hotel Group, with properties in Ibiza, Mallorca, and Andorra.
• Designer pet: Previously owned an exotic pet (a large dog breed, Dogue de Bordeaux), which also became a social media sensation.

“Messi’s investments reflect a quiet luxury—prime real estate, family-friendly assets, and select boutique ventures rather than flashy excess.”
– Sarah Tang, Wealth Strategist, Finance Monthly, 2025

Lionel Messi’s Personal Life

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Andrés Messi is 37 years old in 2025. His journey from a modest upbringing to global football stardom is deeply rooted in family support, discipline, and humility—qualities that continue to influence both his personal life and financial decisions.

Family Background & Upbringing

Messi is the third of four children born to Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. From an early age, he showed extraordinary football talent but was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 10. His family made a life-changing decision to move to Spain after FC Barcelona offered to pay for his treatment.

Marriage & Relationships

Messi has been in a long-term relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, a childhood friend from Rosario. The couple married in 2017 and have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Antonela is a key figure in Messi’s life and public image, often supporting his philanthropic and brand work.

Education & Lifestyle

While Messi didn’t follow a traditional academic path due to early football commitments, he’s known for being intensely focused, disciplined, and private. He avoids nightlife culture and maintains a low-key, family-oriented lifestyle, which stands in contrast to the flashy image of many sports millionaires.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Messi is the founder of the Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007. The organization supports global access to education and healthcare, particularly for vulnerable children.
Key initiatives include:

• Funding hospitals and medical treatment in Argentina and Spain
• UNICEF ambassador since 2010
• Donations to COVID-19 relief and children’s cancer units

His philanthropy is both personal and strategic, reinforcing a reputation of responsibility and humility that aligns well with his brand—and makes him highly appealing to sponsors and investors.

“He’s stayed grounded despite his fame. Messi’s brand is trust—something you can’t buy, but sponsors value above all.”
– Andrés López, Sports Marketing Analyst, Variety, 2024

Also See: Top 50 Richest Athletes in The World

Fun Facts About Lionel Messi

He signed his first Barça contract on a napkin: At age 13, Messi’s first agreement with FC Barcelona was hastily written on a paper napkin—because the club exec had nothing else handy.

He once paid over $40 million in taxes in a single year: During his peak earnings at Barcelona, Messi’s tax contributions in Spain reached staggering amounts—almost like funding a small city.

He’s obsessed with puzzles and Lego: Off the pitch, Messi enjoys quiet time solving jigsaw puzzles with his family and building Lego models—true to his low-key lifestyle.

He was the face of FIFA and PES games—for years: Messi uniquely appeared on the covers of both FIFA (EA Sports) and Pro Evolution Soccer (Konami), raking in millions from video game endorsements.

His giant dog once broke the internet: Messi’s Dogue de Bordeaux, “Hulk,” went viral for its size—looking more like a lion next to him in family photos!

Net Worth Comparison Table

Celebrity	Profession	Estimated Net Worth (2025)
Lionel Messi	Footballer (MLS/Argentina)	$850 million
Cristiano Ronaldo	Footballer (Al-Nassr/Portugal)	$800 million
LeBron James	Basketball Player (NBA)	$1.2 billion
Roger Federer	Tennis Legend	$550 million
Tiger Woods	Golfer	$1.3 billion

FAQs

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario to a global football icon is nothing short of legendary. With a net worth of $850 million in 2025, he has built one of the most powerful personal brands in sports history, earning through elite contracts, world-class endorsements, and smart business ventures like his Más+ energy drink and 525 Rosario media company.

As he enters the twilight of his playing career, Messi’s influence shows no signs of slowing down. Whether expanding his business empire, supporting global causes through his foundation, or staying active in football through ownership or media, the next chapter of his success story is already taking shape.

Explore more profiles in our Net Worth collection featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods, and discover how the world’s top athletes and entertainers are building their empires.