Lionel Messi has absolutely nothing left to prove on the pitch. But somehow, his career just keeps getting bigger and more interesting. When he joined Inter Miami in 2023, most people thought it was just a farewell tour. Turns out, they were completely wrong.
The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner didn't just come to MLS to wind down his career. He transformed the entire league. Stadiums started selling out wherever he played. Inter Miami became the most talked-about team in American soccer overnight. Every match became a global event.
What's really fascinating is how Messi changed his income strategy. At Barcelona, he mostly relied on his massive club salary. Now at 38, he's built something much more sophisticated. Multiple revenue streams flow in from commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and business projects all built around his legendary status.
The Numbers Behind the Fortune
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Messi sits on roughly $850 million. That makes him one of the wealthiest athletes on the planet. Most of that fortune came from his incredible Barcelona years, where he signed contract after record-breaking contract.
His Inter Miami contract runs through the 2028 MLS season, following a recent multi-year extension. He earns $12 million per year in base salary, but his guaranteed compensation jumps to about $20.5 million annually. That makes him the highest-paid player in MLS history by a significant margin.
Here's where it gets clever: Messi's deal is tied to Apple and Adidas, both major MLS sponsors. He gets a cut of Apple TV's MLS Season Pass subscriptions and Adidas merchandise sales. The contract even includes an option to buy ownership stake in Inter Miami after retirement. For bettors watching MLS odds, Messi's presence continues to influence Inter Miami's lines significantly, with bookmakers adjusting spreads whenever he's confirmed in the lineup.
Career Earnings and Business Empire
Over two decades as a professional, Messi has earned around $1.6 billion in salary alone. That's before counting anything else. His endorsement portfolio reads like a who's who of global brands: Adidas, PepsiCo, Mastercard, Budweiser, and Gatorade. These deals bring in roughly $70 million per year off the field.
But Messi isn't just collecting paychecks. He launched his own sports hydration drink called Mas+, competing directly in the sports beverage market. He owns a production company, 525 Rosario, focused on sports and entertainment content.
Real estate is another major play. Through his MiM Hotels group, Messi owns luxury hotels across popular European destinations. He maintains high-value properties in both Miami and Spain. The guy's building a business empire that'll outlast his playing career by decades.
With Messi under contract through 2028, Inter Miami remains a strong consideration in MLS futures betting. His continued presence keeps the team competitive and relevant on the global stage, factors that savvy bettors weigh when evaluating long-term MLS championship odds.
