Lionel Messi has spent more than two decades rewriting football history, but the Argentina captain's success is not limited to the pitch. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has also built one of the biggest financial empires in world sport, with his earnings extending far beyond his football salary.
As Messi prepares to lead Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, the Inter Miami superstar continues to rank among the wealthiest athletes on the planet thanks to his playing contracts, business ventures and lucrative endorsement deals.
Here's a closer look at Messi's staggering fortune and where it comes from.
What is Messi's net worth?
According to multiple financial reports, Lionel Messi's net worth is estimated to be around $1.85 billion, making him one of the richest footballers in history.
The 39-year-old has accumulated his fortune through record-breaking playing contracts, commercial partnerships, sponsorship agreements and investments throughout his illustrious career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
Despite entering the twilight of his career, Messi remains one of the highest-paid athletes in global sport and continues to add significantly to his wealth every year.
How does Lionel Messi make his money?
A sizeable portion of Messi's income comes from his deal with Inter Miami, where he remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.
According to Forbes, Messi's guaranteed compensation in 2026 stands at $28.3 million, making him comfortably the league's top earner.
However, his football salary represents only one part of his overall income.
Messi also owns an equity stake in Inter Miami, allowing him to benefit from the club's long-term commercial growth. In addition, he has major commercial partnerships with companies such as Apple and Fanatics, with reports suggesting those agreements are linked to MLS streaming subscriptions and merchandise sales.
Alongside these, Messi continues to earn millions annually through his long-standing sponsorship portfolio, one of the most valuable in world football.
His left foot alone is reportedly worth a fortune
One of the most remarkable facts surrounding Messi's financial value has little to do with contracts or endorsements.
According to multiple reports, the Argentine legend's iconic left foot is insured for approximately €750 million (around $900 million), making it the most valuable insured body part in sports history.
The reported valuation reflects the extraordinary impact of the foot that has produced the majority of Lionel Messi's 800-plus career goals, countless assists and some of football's most unforgettable moments.
Its estimated worth is reportedly higher than the value of the White House, several luxury yachts and even football's most expensive transfer—Neymar's €222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
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With Messi continuing to chase history alongside Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026, both his footballing legacy and financial empire continue to grow. While the World Cup final could add another trophy to his glittering collection, the numbers behind his fortune already place him among the most successful and commercially valuable athletes the sporting world has ever seen.