TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After years of rewriting football history on the pitch, Lionel Messi’s net worth finally hit a billion-dollar milestone just as he prepares for what could be his final World Cup ever. The Argentina icon now joins his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo among the billionaire athletes.
What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth?
As of 2026, Lionel Messi has amassed a net worth estimated at US$1.1 billion through a combination of lucrative player contracts, real estate holdings, and private investments, as per Celebrity Net Worth. Much like his sporting success, the football superstar did not become a billionaire overnight despite winning every major trophy available in the sport.
For the past two decades, Messi has earned more than $700 million in salary and bonuses alone. Bloomberg reported that the 38-year-old also receives a huge chunk of income from endorsements and licensing deals, and brand partnerships.
Lionel Messi Joins the Billionaire Club
By surpassing the US$1 billion threshold, Lionel Messi has secured his membership in the billionaire club, alongside Ronaldo, who first reached the milestone in 2023.
Last year, Argentina’s prideful footballer signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami CF, earning a base salary of about US$25 million. According to Sportac, Messi potentially strikes a cap hit of US$28.2 million in income for the current season.
Beyond his personal achievements, Messi has been expanding his footprint in sports business ventures. Just months ago, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired 100 percent ownership of Spanish fifth-division football club UE Cornellà.
Who Is Richer Between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
In 2025, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were cited among the two highest-paid football players globally. The rivalry between these icons has inevitably positioned their historic financial success under scrutiny.
While calculating their exact net worth varies across estimates, Ronaldo preceded Messi in reaching billionaire status. Bloomberg estimates that the Portuguese star has collected over US$550 million in career wages, with lucrative stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr contributing to the total.
Ultimately, Lionel Messi’s billion-dollar net worth is just one part of a career packed with record-breaking accomplishments. His journey from a young Argentine prodigy to one of the sport's most prolific scorers remains a benchmark in football history. Read more about Messi’s path to becoming a top-five World Cup goalscorer here.
Read: 2026 World Cup Top Scorers: Who Leads the Goal Charts So Far
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