What is Messi’s Annual Salary?

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has not only left an indelible mark on the field but also amassed an extraordinary fortune throughout his illustrious career. His earnings reflect his immense value in the world of sports, both as a player and as a global icon. Since moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, Messi’s annual salary has become a topic of global interest. In this article, we’ll delve into Messi’s salary, endorsements, and what makes him such a sought-after player financially.

Messi’s Move to Inter Miami: A Record-Breaking Deal

In 2023, Lionel Messi made a surprising move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Inter Miami, a club owned by David Beckham, marking a new chapter in his career. This transfer to MLS was not only significant for American soccer but also came with a lucrative contract.

According to reports, Messi’s annual salary at Inter Miami is around $50 million, including base salary and bonuses. This contract puts him among the highest-paid athletes in the world, even though he has moved away from the European football spotlight.

Base Salary and Bonuses

Messi’s base salary with Inter Miami is estimated to be around $35 million per year. This figure doesn’t include performance-based bonuses, which could further increase his earnings depending on his contributions on the pitch. His salary, while lower than the contracts he had with PSG and Barcelona, still reflects his incredible influence and impact on and off the field.

Revenue Sharing and MLS Profits

One unique aspect of Messi’s deal with Inter Miami is his revenue-sharing agreement with MLS. This allows him to receive a portion of profits from Apple’s MLS Season Pass, the league’s streaming service, and from Adidas, the official apparel sponsor of the league. This part of his deal is significant and could make Messi’s annual earnings surpass $60 million, depending on the league’s growth and Messi’s role in boosting its popularity.

Messi’s Endorsement Deals

While Messi’s salary is staggering, his income from endorsement deals takes his total earnings to even greater heights. Over the years, he has signed deals with some of the biggest global brands, contributing significantly to his annual income.

Adidas: A Lifetime Deal

Messi’s most iconic partnership is with Adidas, one of the world’s leading sports brands. In 2017, Messi signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Adidas, a rare and highly lucrative agreement. It is estimated that this deal alone brings in around $25 million per year. Messi is the face of Adidas football boots and other related products, which continue to drive significant revenue for the brand.

Other Endorsements

In addition to Adidas, Messi has a broad portfolio of endorsements that add to his wealth. Some of the brands he has worked with include:

• Pepsi: A long-term partner, Messi has been featured in several of their global campaigns.
• Gatorade: Messi has collaborated with Gatorade to promote their sports drinks and energy products.
• Mastercard: As a global ambassador, Messi helps promote Mastercard’s services around the world.
• Huawei: The Chinese tech giant has Messi as one of its global brand ambassadors.
• Budweiser: Messi has worked with Budweiser on multiple promotional campaigns.

These endorsement deals collectively add around $35-40 million to his yearly income, making endorsements a critical part of his financial empire.

Comparing Messi’s Earnings to Other Top Athletes

Messi’s earnings put him in the elite company of the world’s highest-paid athletes. According to Forbes, Messi was ranked second in the 2023 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, only behind fellow footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. With a total annual income estimated at $130 million in 2023, combining his salary and endorsements, Messi remains a dominant financial figure in the sports world.

Messi vs. Ronaldo

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo extends beyond the football pitch and into the realm of financial success. Both players have consistently battled for the top spot in earnings for over a decade. While Ronaldo currently edges Messi in terms of annual income, thanks to his move to Saudi Arabia, Messi’s new deals in MLS, including revenue-sharing agreements, could make him the highest-paid athlete in the future.

Messi’s Wealth in Context

Messi’s estimated net worth is currently around $600 million, a figure that continues to grow thanks to his various revenue streams. This places him among the wealthiest athletes ever, rivaling sports legends such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James.

The Impact of Messi’s Salary on MLS and American Soccer

Messi’s move to Inter Miami has had a ripple effect on Major League Soccer and the popularity of football in the United States. His high salary is justified by the attention he brings to the league, which has historically struggled to attract top-tier global talent. Since his arrival, ticket sales for Inter Miami games have skyrocketed, and the club’s social media following has seen explosive growth.

The deal between Messi and MLS is not just about his performance on the field but also about the commercial boost he provides. Merchandise sales, TV viewership, and fan engagement have all seen significant increases, making Messi’s salary an investment in the future of soccer in the United States.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s annual salary of approximately $50 million at Inter Miami, coupled with his endorsements and revenue-sharing deals, solidifies his place as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His earnings reflect not only his legendary status as a footballer but also his unmatched commercial appeal. As Messi continues to make an impact both in Major League Soccer and global endorsements, his financial legacy will likely continue to grow, further cementing his place in the history of the world’s richest athletes.

In short, Messi’s annual salary is more than just a number—it’s a testament to his global influence, sporting excellence, and commercial power.