Lionel Messi became only the second footballer in history to reach billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello, file) Lionel Messi has reportedly crossed the billion dollar net worth mark, becoming only the second footballer ever to join the billionaires club after arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, cited by Goal.com, Messi’s fortune has now surpassed $1 billion after years of massive earnings through salaries, bonuses, endorsements and investments. The Argentine superstar is estimated to have earned more than $700 million in wages and performance-related payments since 2007 alone. Unlike Ronaldo, whose financial empire expanded rapidly through an aggressive global branding strategy and his successful move to Al-Nassr in 2023, Messi’s growth in wealth has reportedly been more measured and carefully managed through long-term partnerships and family business decisions across Europe and the United States. The 38-year-old’s business influence has further exploded since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023. His arrival changed the popularity of soccer in the United States, bringing huge attendances, global attention to MLS and increasing the interest of several European stars considering a move to North America. Messi’s cultural influence in the US has now reached another level ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A New Jersey town has officially named a section of Sherman Avenue “Leo Messi Way” in honor of the Argentine icon. The tribute comes from Berkeley Heights, a small town in Union County with a population of just over 13,000. The initiative was approved through the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force, a grassroots group formed to build excitement and community involvement before the World Cup comes to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, will lead his country to the tournament again in 2026. Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Austria, Jordan and Algeria, with their opening match scheduled against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.