The Inter Miami forward became soccer's second billionaire in 2026, one of only four athletes to reach ten figures while still playing. Forbes estimates his career earnings at around $1.8 billion, mostly from football contracts.
Verified figure, based on published reports.
Cash accumulated over two decades at Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami, plus his MiM Hotels chain, a listed property firm and club holdings.
From the Lionel Messi profile on NetWorthEx
Messi's Inter Miami contract includes revenue-sharing with Apple TV and Adidas plus an option to acquire an equity stake in the club after retirement, a structure Forbes calls one of the most complex deals in sports history.
From the Lionel Messi profile on NetWorthEx
Lionel Messi is worth an estimated $1.1 billion in 2026, according to Forbes. He is soccer's second billionaire and one of only four athletes to reach the mark while still playing. The estimate reflects cash accumulated over two decades at the very top of football, banked season after season.
From the Lionel Messi profile on NetWorthEx
Sources listed in the full profile
Messi won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and, after years of international heartbreak, led Argentina to the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, completing football.
From the Lionel Messi profile on NetWorthEx
The complete Lionel Messi dossier: full wealth breakdown, career story, FAQs and sources.
Verified celebrity net worth, updated for 2026.