Messi Net Worth, Career, and Legacy: A Deep Dive into the Football Icon’s Journey

Messi is an Argentinian-born professional athlete who has a net worth of $850 million. Messi is often regarded as the best soccer player in the world and one of the best in history. He is certainly one of, if not THE, highest-paid player in history. Messi played for Barcelona from his teenage years through 2021. During his time with Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games.

Who is Messi?

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and numerous league titles. He is known for his exceptional dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities. Messi played for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. In 2021, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and later joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. He also led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his legacy in football history.

Messi Early Life

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. His dad, Jorge Horacio Messi, worked in a steel factory, while his mom, Celia Maria Cuccittini, did some cleaning jobs on the side. He grew up close to his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and his sister, Maria Sol.

The family often kicked a soccer ball around together, along with their cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, who also became professional footballers. Messi started playing for the Rosario soccer club at just six years old, joining Newell’s Old Boys.

At the age of ten, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and his dad couldn’t afford the treatment anymore. Newell’s initially promised to help but later backed out. Then, Carles Rexach, the Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, stepped in and offered to cover the medical costs if Messi moved to Spain. With his dad’s okay, Rexach quickly wrote up a contract on a napkin, and the family relocated to Barcelona in February 2001.

Messi Career

At the age of 17, Messi made his league debut against RCD Espanyol and became the third-youngest person ever to play for FC Barcelona. At that time, he was also the youngest player to ever score for Barcelona. During the 2005-2006 season, Messi began being paid as a first-team member and also got his Spanish citizenship. He also made his debut in the Spanish First Division league. Messi received a standing ovation during his first match after he scored alongside superstar Ronaldinho. Out of his seventeen League appearances, he scored six goals. He scored one goal in six for the Champions League. In 2006, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA World Cup.

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Messi Salary and Contracts

When he was at his peak with Barcelona, Messi was easily the highest-paid soccer player in the world. In 2017, he signed a contract with Barcelona that paid a base salary of $168 million. His contract numbers were a closely guarded secret for several years, but in January 2021, the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” published the leaked contract details. Under a previous contract, his annual base salary was $44.68 million.

Messi Personal Life

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Messi has been in a relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, a fellow Rosario native, since 2008. They have known each other since they were five years old. They confirmed their romance publicly in January 2009. Messi and Roccuzzo got married in Rosario in June 2007. The couple has three children: Thiago (b. 2012), Matero (b. 2015), and Ciro (b. 2018). 

Messi is still very close to his immediate family members, especially his mother. He has her face tattooed on his left shoulder. His professional affairs are run mostly as a family business, with his father having been his agent since Messi was 14. His older brother Rodrigo handles his publicity.

Messi Real Estate 

The 35-year-old soccer player also has a sprawling real estate portfolio worth millions, and has owned properties in Spain, Argentina, and the U.S. Messi’s home base for the past decade has been a home just outside of Barcelona, worth an estimated $7 million, according to Architectural Digest.  In 2022, the soccer star also spent about $4 million to build a massive estate in his hometown Rosario, Argentina, and bought a home in Ibiza for $11 million, per Architectural Digest. 

Messi Business Ventures and Investments

In addition to his on-field earnings and sponsorship deals, Messi has diversified his wealth through smart investments and business ventures. Like many top athletes, Messi has invested in various industries, including real estate, hospitality, and even technology.

One of his most notable business ventures is his stake in the eSports company eFootball.Pro, which he co-founded with his brother Rodrigo Messi. This move reflects his forward-thinking approach to business, tapping into the growing market of online gaming and competitive gaming.

Messi Charity

Messi kicked off the Messi Foundation to create better chances for underprivileged kids in education and healthcare. He launched the charity back in 2007 after a visit to a children’s hospital in Boston, which really impacted him. With support from Herbalife, his foundation covers medical treatments, transportation, and recovery for kids facing serious health issues. Plus, since March 2010, he’s been a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, even going on a mission to Haiti to raise awareness about the struggles kids faced after the earthquake.

Messi Philanthropic Efforts

Despite his immense wealth, Messi is also known for his charitable contributions. He has a foundation, the Messi Foundation, which focuses on providing education and health care to children in Argentina and around the world. Through his foundation, Messi has donated millions of dollars to various causes, particularly in the fields of health and education. This philanthropic work not only helps improve lives but also reinforces his legacy off the field.

2022 World Cup

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On December 18, Messi and his Argentina teammates defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final. Not including penalty kicks, Messi had two goals in the game, which went to over time and then a shootout.

A long-standing partnership with Adidas

Messi’s most important and longest-lasting sponsorship is with Adidas. He formed a partnership at the beginning of his career in 2006 that would later help him become the face of the German sportswear giant. In February 2017, Messi, with his unique line of signature shoes and other products, signed a lifetime contract with Adidas projected to earn €10 million a year, making him, alongside David Beckham, one of the few sportsmen the company has ever worked with under such a scheme. 

PepsiCo brands: A success legacy

For a long period of time, Messi has represented numerous PepsiCo brands, including Pepsi, Lay’s, and Gatorade, as their spokesman, and is currently among the most well-known sportsmen in the world thanks to these endorsement deals, having appeared in print, television, and social media ads. In fact, Messi’s reputation outside of the field revolves mostly on his long-standing connection with PepsiCo products, with estimated $30 million annual deals confirming his strong presence in the American and worldwide markets.

FAQs

What is Messi net worth?

Messi net worth is estimated to be $850 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

Where was Messi born?

Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.

How many goals has Messi scored in his career?

As of now, Messi has scored over 800 career goals for club and country, making him one of the highest goal scorers in football history.

How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won?

Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, more than any other player in history.

What was Messi’s salary at Barcelona?

At his peak with Barcelona, Messi earned a base salary of $168 million per year, making him the highest-paid footballer at that time.

Conclusion

Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario to one of the greatest footballers of all time is nothing short of extraordinary. With a net worth of $850 million, his impact extends beyond football, influencing business, philanthropy, and global culture. His record-breaking career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami showcases his unmatched talent and dedication to the sport. Off the field, Messi has built a powerful brand through endorsements with Adidas, PepsiCo, and other global companies, along with strategic investments in real estate and eSports.

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