Lionel Messi is in India on a three-day GOAT tour that kicked off in Kolkata today and the Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos. The fans went berserk and started throwing bottles and trying to break through the gates between the stands after the Argentina legend arrived early. The football legend will now head to Hyderabad. Messi also unveiled his 70-foot iron statue at South Dum Dum in Kolkata.
This is Messi’s second visit to the country, following his first appearance in 2011 when he featured as part of Argentina’s squad in an international friendly against Venezuela. The match was also significant as it marked Messi’s debut as captain of the national team. His leadership journey later reached its defining moment in 2022 when he fulfilled his long-awaited dream by lifting the FIFA World Cup, matching the legacy of Diego Maradona who once named him as his successor to the Argentine football crown.
Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi is one of the best soccer players in the world. Between 2009 and 2023, he won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, given to the best male player in the world. He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With so many feathers in his hat at the global level, here’s a look at Messi’s net worth.
Lionel Messi Net Worth
Messi is among the richest and most successful athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of around US$850 million as of 2025. While he is not a billionaire by net worth, his pre-tax career earnings have pushed him past the US$1.6 billion mark, making him one of only a handful of active athletes, according to a report by Lifestyle Asia.
Messi earns around US$130-135 million per year. His on-field income is around US$60 million each year, mainly from his Inter Miami salary and also some bonuses. He also holds a 10 percent stake in the club, which could be worth hundreds of millions at some point in the future.
Off the pitch, Messi earns around US$70-75 million per year through endorsements and business activities. His most notable contract is a lifetime deal with Adidas, reportedly worth around US$25 million per year. He is also an ambassador for big brands like Budweiser, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mastercard, Stanley 1913 and more.
With over 510 million followers, Messi’s Instagram account earns him around US$2.7 million for each sponsored post; the platform thus became his primary source of income.
He has other properties – a hotel chain with MiM Hotels, a number of luxury homes in Barcelona, Miami and Rosario, among others, in a property portfolio worth more than $200 million. In addition, Messi has a private jet and several exclusive cars such as Mercedes, Maserati, Range Rover and Audi along with a cheap Toyota Prius.
