Lionel Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo in billionaire football ranks as Inter Miami gamble delivers massive financial breakthrough

For years, fans compared Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo only on the football pitch. Now, the rivalry has reached another level. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Messi’s net worth has crossed the $1 billion mark after his move to the United States and several major business deals linked to his time with Inter Miami CF.

The report said Messi, now 38, has earned more than $700 million in salary and bonuses since 2007. But his growing wealth is not only coming from football anymore. His Inter Miami contract, sponsorship deals, real estate investments, and business partnerships in the US have pushed him into the billionaire club alongside Ronaldo. Bloomberg also reported that Messi’s deal in Miami included special benefits connected to Apple’s MLS streaming package and possible ownership rights in the club.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami move changed more than just his football career

When Messi left Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in 2023, many people expected him to accept a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. Reports at the time claimed the contract was worth around $400 million per year. Instead, he surprised fans by choosing Inter Miami.

Later, Messi explained why he made that decision during an interview with Mundo Deportivo. He said, “Money was never a problem for me, nor an obstacle in anything. If it had been about money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or somewhere else.”

That move now looks even bigger from a business point of view. According to Bloomberg, Messi’s Miami contract included revenue-sharing discussions tied to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. The report also mentioned that Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said Messi’s yearly earnings from the club could reach between $70 million and $80 million when bonuses and business rights are included.

Messi has also expanded outside football. Bloomberg reported that he invested in Argentine restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, launched his Más+ sports drink in 2024, and listed a real estate company in Spain valued at around $232 million.

Even with all the business success, Messi still keeps a quiet public image compared to Ronaldo. Bloomberg noted that he remains close to family and often avoids media attention outside Argentina.

The report also looked back at Messi’s journey from a young boy at Newell’s Old Boys to one of the richest athletes in sports history. Barcelona once agreed to pay for his growth hormone treatment as a teenager, a decision that completely changed football history.



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