Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentine superstar currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) and captains the Argentina national team. Known for his incredible skill, vision, and consistency, Messi’s career achievements and earnings are unmatched in modern football.
Born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Messi grew up in a football-loving family. His father, Jorge Messi, worked in a steel factory, while his mother, Celia, was employed in a magnet manufacturing workshop. Messi has Italian and Spanish roots and was raised in a close-knit household that strongly supported his football dreams.
Lionel Messi’s Global Influence and Achievements
Messi has been sponsored by Adidas since 2006, forming one of the most successful athlete-brand partnerships in sports history. Between 2009 and 2014, France Football named him the world’s highest-paid footballer in five out of six years.
Forbes ranked Messi as the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2019 and 2022, while Time Magazine included him in its list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2011, 2012, and 2023.
He won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2020 and 2023, becoming the first team-sport athlete to achieve this honor twice. Messi was also selected for the Ballon d’Or Dream Team in 2020. Over his career, he became only the second footballer in history to cross $1 billion in total earnings. In 2025, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden.
Lionel Messi Contract Details with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi currently earns a base salary of $12 million per year with Inter Miami. His total guaranteed compensation is $20.446 million annually, which includes bonuses, marketing payments, and performance-related incentives.
This makes Messi the highest-paid player in MLS history. He has also extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, allowing him to continue playing in the league while preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What Is Lionel Messi’s Salary?
Messi’s MLS contract pays him approximately $20.4 million per year. While $12 million comes from his base salary, the remaining amount includes guaranteed bonuses, marketing deals, and agent fees. His earnings are so high that his salary alone is more than the total payroll of over 20 MLS teams.
How Much Does Lionel Messi Make Per Minute?
Based on his annual compensation, Lionel Messi earns around $38.9 per minute.
Lionel Messi’s Career Earnings
By the end of 2025, Lionel Messi’s total career earnings are expected to reach approximately $1.6 billion. This figure includes:
- Club salaries
- Match bonuses
- Endorsements and sponsorships
His Inter Miami deal is estimated to be worth $50–60 million per year, factoring in his salary, signing bonus, and a unique equity stake in the club. This equity agreement means Messi will become a part-owner of Inter Miami after retirement.
During his peak years at FC Barcelona, Messi earned over $100 million per year in salary and bonuses. At Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he made around $70 million annually before taxes. Off the pitch, Messi earns close to $60 million per year through endorsements with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, Mastercard, Budweiser, and more.
Lionel Messi’s Year-by-Year Contract History
Messi has earned consistently at the highest level throughout his career. Below is an estimated breakdown of his major contracts:
| Year | Club | Annual Compensation |
| 2025 | Inter Miami CF | $20.4 Million (Guaranteed) |
| 2024 | Inter Miami CF | $20.4 Million (Guaranteed) |
| 2023 | Inter Miami CF | $20.4 Million (Guaranteed) |
| 2022 | PSG | €40 Million (Net) |
| 2021 | PSG | €30–40 Million (Net) |
| 2017–2020 | FC Barcelona | €138 Million (Gross) |
| 2014 | FC Barcelona | €20 Million (Net) |
| 2012 | FC Barcelona | €16 Million (Net) |
| 2009 | FC Barcelona | €10.5 Million (Net) |
| 2008 | FC Barcelona | €8.5 Million (Net) |
| 2007 | FC Barcelona | €4 Million (Net) |
| 2005 | FC Barcelona | €1–2 Million (Net) |
| 2004 | FC Barcelona | €100,000+ (Estimated) |
| 2000 | FC Barcelona Youth | Not Disclosed |
FAQs About Lionel Messi’s Contract
Q. How much is Lionel Messi’s new contract worth?
Messi signed a three-year deal with Inter Miami until 2028. His initial 2023 contract was reportedly worth $150 million over two and a half years, including bonuses and equity in the club.
Q. Why did Messi reject the €1.5 billion offer?
Messi explained that he wanted to focus on his family and personal happiness, stating that he had gone through two unhappy years in his life and wanted a better balance.
Q. How much was Messi paid to join Inter Miami?
His MLS base salary is $12 million, with total guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million, including marketing and agent fees.
Q. Did Al Hilal offer Messi $1 billion?
Yes, Messi reportedly turned down an offer worth around $1 billion from Saudi club Al Hilal.
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