2026-10-09 11:49:23Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

With his retirement from the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi has now shifted his focus to club football.

Messi is not only a football legend, but also a global brand, which continues to generate incredible income beyond the field of play.

The striker has become one of the richest athletes in the world, with gross earnings estimated at around 1.6 billion euros over more than two decades in professional football.

Success on the green field, lucrative contracts and deals with the biggest international brands have built the financial empire of the Argentine star.

According to figures reported by Forbes, Messi's total gross income amounts to around $1.8 billion.

Of this amount, approximately $1.2 billion is provided by salaries and contracts with clubs, while another $600 million comes from sponsorships, advertising and business activities outside of football.

Messi began his journey to the top of football at Barcelona, ​​where he transferred at the age of 13.

With the Catalan jersey, he became one of the greatest footballers of all time, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then to Inter Miami, in the United States.

The American experience has given a new dimension to his career, not only in terms of sports, but also in terms of economics.

The contract with Inter Miami, valid until the end of 2028, reportedly provides him with a financial package of $70 to $80 million per year, including salary and other benefits.

Unlike the lucrative offers he could have received from Saudi Arabia, Messi chose to continue his career in MLS, where his name has contributed to the growth of interest in American soccer.

A significant part of the Argentine's income comes from commercial deals. The partnership with Adidas, launched in 2006 and strengthened over the years, constitutes one of the most important collaborations of his career.

In addition to sponsorships, Messi has expanded his activities into real estate, tourism and football investments.

His massive presence on social media also makes him one of the most valuable figures for international brands.

Messi ranks among the biggest names in world sports for his financial power, in a group that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Tiger Woods.


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