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Lionel Messi is, for many, the greatest soccer player in the history of the sport. The Argentine superstar has etched his name into the history books with his exploits for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentina national team.
Now with Inter Miami, Messi has the opportunity to add a second World Cup title to his trophy cabinet as Argentina takes on Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The 39-year-old has once again proved that his quality is timeless with his performances throughout Argentina's run in the tournament. He has scored eight goals so far and has 21 goals in World Cup history, just one behind Kylian Mbappé.
While his accomplishments on the field are well known, here's a look at how much the superstar earns.
How Much Does Lionel Messi Earn in a Year?
Lionel Messi earns an estimated $140 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. While a significant portion of that income comes from his contract with Inter Miami, his earnings are also boosted by commercial agreements and endorsement deals.
According to the MLS Players Association, Messi signed a contract extension that keeps him with Inter Miami through 2028. For the 2026 season, he earns a base salary of $25 million, with his total guaranteed compensation rising to $28.33 million. That figure alone makes him the highest-paid player in MLS history, exceeding the entire payrolls of 28 of the league's 30 teams.
However, Messi's overall earnings from Inter Miami are much higher than his playing salary. To persuade him to reject a reported $1 billion offer from Saudi Arabia, the club and MLS created a unique contract package worth an estimated $70 million to $80 million per year. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed that the deal includes several commercial benefits in addition to his salary.
One of the biggest components of the agreement is a revenue-sharing partnership with Apple. As MLS's official broadcast partner, Apple gives Messi a percentage of the revenue generated by new international subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass streaming service.
Messi also has a lifetime partnership with Adidas. His MLS agreement includes a profit-sharing arrangement tied to the increase in merchandise sales generated by his move to the United States. He also has a similar commercial agreement with Fanatics, further increasing his annual earnings.
Another valuable part of his contract is the option to purchase a minority ownership stake in Inter Miami after his playing career ends without paying a traditional expansion fee. Since Messi's arrival, the club's valuation has climbed to more than $1.4 billion, making that option even more valuable.
Away from MLS, Messi continues to earn an estimated $60 million to $70 million annually through endorsement deals. His portfolio includes long-term partnerships with major global brands such as PepsiCo, Mastercard, Hard Rock International, and his own hydration drink, Más+ by Messi.
Lionel Messi Net Worth
Messi's net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, according to the latest figures from Forbes. The milestone makes him one of the few active athletes in history to reach billionaire status.
Throughout his professional career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, Messi has earned more than $1.8 billion before taxes and agent fees.
