I. Introduction
Lionel Messi is one of the most successful and talented footballers in history, with a massive fan base and global recognition. His accomplishments both on and off the field have led to people asking many questions regarding his wealth. It’s no secret that Messi is one of the highest-paid footballers, but exactly how much money does he have? In this article, we will explore Messi’s wealth in-depth, including his career earnings, non-football income, charitable giving, economic factors that affect his wealth, and how his wealth impacts his personal life.
II. Messi’s Career Earnings
Messi has made a significant amount of money from his contract with famous football club Barcelona. In 2017, Messi signed a new deal that reportedly paid him $695,000 per week. His new contract also included a sizable signing bonus of $59.6 million. In comparison, some of the best-paid athletes in other sports make far less annually than Messi’s weekly rate.
Furthermore, Messi’s earnings are not just limited to his salary from the club. He also has endorsement deals with many companies, including Pepsi and Adidas, that allow him to earn a significant income out of football. Forbes reports that Messi made $33.4 million in endorsements alone in 2021.
In total, Messi’s lifetime earnings are estimated to be over $1 billion. To put that into context, legendary NFL player Tom Brady has only recently surpassed this mark.
III. Messi’s Non-Football Income
Mess’s interest outside football has also proven to be an excellent source of income. Over the years, the footballer has invested heavily in professional football teams, startup companies and even real estate-boosting his overall net worth.
Additionally, Messi is an accomplished entrepreneur with several ventures to his name. In fashion, Messi launched his Messi Store in 2019, featuring his signature clothing line. The footballer has also founded a charity foundation, which is well known for its work helping children around the world, as well as sponsoring cancer research.
All of Messi’s investments and business ventures contribute to his list of assets. It’s been reported that the footballer’s net worth is around $400 million, which would make him one of the richest footballers in the world.
IV. Comparing Messi’s Wealth
Messi’s wealth puts him in a rarefied position, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally. It’s true that other athletes, such as NBA player Lebron James and tennis star Roger Federer, have similar levels of income. Messi, however, ranks high globally when it comes to net worth, with Forbes placing him among the top 100 celebrities globally in terms of net worth in 2021.
Over the years, Messi’s earnings have boosted his net worth, placing him in an enviable position. Despite this, he has always been modest about his wealth and not the type to openly flaunt it.
V. Impact of Economic Factors
Similar to any other individual, Lionel Messi’s wealth is subject to economic fluctuations. Currency exchange rates, tax laws, recessions, market falls and other factors outside Messi’s control can significantly affect his wealth.
One factor is Messi’s country of residence and its economy. Economic instability within Messi’s native Argentina can affect how much of his earnings is actually worth, given the constant devaluation of the Argentine peso. When it comes to taxes, Messi pays one of the highest tax rates in the world. Spain, where he is based, has a top marginal tax rate of 45%.
Despite these challenges, Messi’s wealth keeps growing, proving that he manages to overcome various financial obstacles. He is always looking for new ways to invest, diversify his revenue streams, and make sure that his wealth keeps growing year after year.
VI. Charitable Giving and Philanthropy
Even with his massive wealth, Lionel Messi has always been open to philanthropy and giving back to society. In 2007, Messi founded the Lionel Messi Foundation, which works extensively on health care, education, and sports for underprivileged children worldwide. The foundation has managed to help over 18,000 children and invested around $11 million in projects that help children.
Given his status, Messi’s generosity has inspired many people worldwide to do good in their communities. Over the years, many donors have contributed to Messi’s foundation, making it one of the most successful charity organisations on the planet.
VII. Implications on Personal Life
Being one of the highest-earning footballers globally, Lionel Messi experiences a series of pressures that come with that status. His personal life, including his relationships and privacy, is affected by such wealth. In a way, Messi is constantly in the public eye, and his every action – including his spending habits and charity work – is scrutinised.
Another implication is his safety and security. Millionaires, especially celebrities, are always a target for scammers and fraudsters. Messi has attested to this, having been a victim of a massive tax fraud scheme in 2013 which cost him millions of dollars in legal fees and penalties.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest footballers in the world, with a total net worth of around $ 400 million. His career earnings, investments in various business ventures, and charity work over the years show how he remains committed and humble despite his massive success. Messi’s wealth, while enviable, has come with many pressures and challenges that affect his daily life. Overall, his ability to balance his wealth and philanthropy provides an example to young people worldwide that they, too, can do well by doing good.