Messi joins Ronaldo as football’s second billionaire

Lionel Messi has crossed the $1 billion net worth threshold, becoming only the second footballer in history to achieve billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index published Thursday.bloomberg+2

The 38-year-old Argentine has earned more than $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007, Bloomberg reported. After adjusting for taxes, market performance, and income from investments and sponsorships, his net worth surpassed the 10-figure mark.business-standard

The Inter Miami Factor

Messi's 2023 move to Inter Miami proved central to his wealth accumulation. Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas told Bloomberg in March that Messi's total compensation amounts to between $70 million and $80 million annually when including equity rights in the club. According to MLS Players Association data, Messi's guaranteed compensation this season rose to $28.33 million, up from $20.45 million in 2025 — but his salary represents only a fraction of the total package.nytimes+2

The deal also includes a revenue-sharing arrangement tied to Apple's ↘ 1.11% MLS Season Pass streaming service, along with a stake in Inter Miami, now valued by Forbes at $1.35 billion as the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer. Messi is expected to formally acquire an equity stake in the club upon retirement.espn+2

Turning Down Saudi Arabia

Messi reached the milestone without accepting the reported $400 million-per-year Saudi Pro League offer that preceded his move to Miami. His rival Ronaldo became football's first billionaire after joining Al-Nassr in 2023, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.pointblanknews+2

Off the pitch, endorsement partnerships with Adidas ↘ 3.30%, Pepsi PepsiCo, Inc. ↘ 1.85%, and other global brands — alongside real estate holdings across Barcelona, Miami, and Argentina — contributed to pushing Messi past the threshold. Forbes ranked him as the world's third-highest-paid athlete in 2026, with $140 million in total earnings.forbes+1

Messi joins a small group of athletes to achieve billionaire status, alongside Ronaldo, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James.business-standard+1