How Lionel Messi Makes His Money
In 2026 Forbes puts Messi's earnings at $140M — split almost evenly on-field and off-field. But the wealth itself rests on four distinct engines. Here's how each one works.
Last updated 30 July 2026 · Sourced public estimates
The annual split
Forbes' $140M total for 2026 breaks almost exactly in half between what he earns playing and what he earns commercially.
- On-field (salary, bonuses) · $70M
- Off-field (endorsements) · $70M
The four income engines
1. Playing contracts
~$1.2BSalary, signing fees and bonuses across Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami — roughly $1.2B pre-tax over his career, anchored today by a $25M Inter Miami base.
2. Endorsements
~$600MA ~$600M lifetime commercial franchise led by a lifetime Adidas deal, plus Apple, Saudi Tourism, Pepsi, Mastercard and more.
3. Businesses & investments
EquityA listed Spanish real-estate REIT (Edificio Rostower), MiM Hotels, KRÜ Esports, UE Cornellà and a venture portfolio.
4. Inter Miami equity
~$135MA post-retirement ownership option in Inter Miami — widely cited near 10%, valued ~$135M against a ~$1.35B franchise valuation.
Career earnings by source
| Period | Source | Amount | Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2021 | FC Barcelona | ~$850–900MSourceFC BarcelonaHigh | Salary & bonuses | High |
| 2021–2023 | Paris Saint-Germain | ~$150MSourceParis Saint-GermainHigh | Salary & image rights | High |
| 2023–2026 | Inter Miami CF | ~$100M+SourceInter Miami CFHigh | Salary (excl. equity/rev-share) | High |
| Career | Argentina NT | ~$15–20MSourceArgentina NTMedium | Tournament pools | Medium |
| Career | Endorsements & licensing | ~$600MSourceEndorsements & licensingHigh | Off-field | High |
- Source
- FC Barcelona
- Amount
- ~$850–900MSourceFC BarcelonaHigh
- Type
- Salary & bonuses
- Confidence
- High
- Source
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Amount
- ~$150MSourceParis Saint-GermainHigh
- Type
- Salary & image rights
- Confidence
- High
- Source
- Inter Miami CF
- Amount
- ~$100M+SourceInter Miami CFHigh
- Type
- Salary (excl. equity/rev-share)
- Confidence
- High
- Source
- Argentina NT
- Amount
- ~$15–20MSourceArgentina NTMedium
- Type
- Tournament pools
- Confidence
- Medium
- Source
- Endorsements & licensing
- Amount
- ~$600MSourceEndorsements & licensingHigh
- Type
- Off-field
- Confidence
- High
Frequently asked questions
How much does Messi earn per year?
Forbes estimates Messi's total 2026 earnings at $140 million — about $70 million on-field and $70 million off-field — ranking him the third highest-paid athlete in the world.
How did Messi become a billionaire?
Through ~$1.67B in pre-tax career earnings, a ~$600M endorsement franchise led by a lifetime Adidas deal, a publicly listed Spanish real-estate vehicle (Edificio Rostower), and an equity stake in Inter Miami.