How did Lionel Messi become a billionaire and is he now richer than Cristiano Ronaldo?
TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jun 08, 2026, 22:50 (IST)
Lionel Messi became a billionaire in 2026 through a combination of elite playing contracts, endorsement deals, investments and a unique Inter Miami agreement that includes future club equity. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.1 billion. Cristiano Ronaldo remains richer, with an estimated fortune between $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion, driven largely by his record-breaking earnings at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. While both football legends have reached billionaire status, Ronaldo continues to hold a financial edge over his longtime rival.