new delhi, May 24
Lionel Messi has officially joined the billionaire club, becoming only the second footballer in history after Cristiano Ronaldo to cross the $1 billion net worth mark, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The Argentine icon, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), has built his fortune through a combination of football salaries, bonuses, endorsements, investments and long-term commercial partnerships across Europe and the United States.
According to Bloomberg’s analysis, Lionel Messi’s net worth has now crossed $1 billion. The report states that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has earned more than $700 million in salaries and bonuses since 2007 alone. Apart from his earnings on the pitch, Messi has significantly expanded his financial portfolio through endorsement deals, sponsorships and investments. His partnerships with major global brands, combined with his move to the United States in 2023, have further boosted his commercial value. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo’s highly aggressive personal branding strategy, Messi’s financial growth has largely been driven through carefully managed business decisions and family-led investments.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has transformed the football landscape in the United States. His arrival in MLS triggered record-breaking attendance numbers, increased global interest in the league and a surge in sponsorship and merchandising activity. His influence has now extended beyond football as well. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a township in New Jersey officially named a road “Leo Messi Way” in honour of the Argentina captain. The initiative was approved by residents of Berkeley Heights in Union County through the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force, which was formed to promote community engagement ahead of the tournament.
Messi, who led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is expected to remain central to the national team’s plans heading into the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina have been placed in Group J alongside Austria, Jordan and Algeria. Their World Cup campaign will begin against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
