Lionel Messi has reportedly surpassed a net worth of $1 billion and become only the second footballer after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach billionaire status.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, cited by Goal.com, reported that Messi crossed the mark after years of earnings from salaries, bonuses, endorsements and investments. The Argentina captain has reportedly earned more than $700 million in wages and performance-related income since 2007.
Ronaldo reached the billionaire threshold earlier through a broad commercial strategy, brand partnerships and his lucrative move to Al Nassr FC in 2023. Messi followed a different route. He relied heavily on long-term sponsorship deals and family-controlled business operations across Europe and the United States.
Messi’s commercial profile expanded sharply after his move to Inter Miami CF in 2023. His arrival boosted attendances across Major League Soccer and increased international interest in the league. Several European players have also explored moves to North America since his transfer.
The 38-year-old’s profile in the United States continues to grow before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Authorities in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, recently renamed part of Sherman Avenue as “Leo Messi Way”.
The township in Union County approved the move through its BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force. Local officials created the group to promote community engagement before the World Cup arrives in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Messi remains one of football’s strongest commercial figures almost two decades after his senior breakthrough. His income streams now stretch across football contracts, sponsorship agreements, hospitality projects and investment ventures in multiple countries.
