Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has made a profound impact on Major League Soccer (MLS) since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival has not only elevated the standard of soccer in the United States but also reshaped the league’s commercial landscape. While his influence on the pitch is undeniable, the financial details of his contract remain a topic of great interest. Here's a detailed breakdown of Messi's earnings at David Beckham’s club.
Messi’s Base Salary and Bonuses
Messi's contract with Inter Miami was reportedly worth a base salary of $12 million per annum. However, with extra performance bonuses and other compensations, his total earnings per annum carry a ceiling above $20 million for that season, ESPN reported. This extraordinary figure leaves Messi to be the highest-paid player in the MLS by quite some margin.
Weekly and Daily Earnings Breakdown-Messi's annual earning of $20 million is roughly equal to:
- $393,205 per week
- $56,172 per day
- $2,340 per hour
Consequently, in MLSS, however, Messi's weekly salary is almost half of what Cristiano earns, who is reported to earn an eye-popping $3.2 million a week with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Other Streams of Income: Sponsorships and Revenue Sharing
Besides his salary, Messi's financial empire is bolstered by many lucrative sponsorship deals with global brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. Furthermore, agreements with Apple and Adidas are part of his contract with Inter Miami, allowing him to share in revenue generated from jersey sales and subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The 'Messi Effect' in the MLS
After leaving, the 'Messi effect' has taken the MLS by storm. There have been:
- Competitive stadiums filled to capacity whenever Inter Miami plays
- Rapid growth of the club's social media following
- Record high viewership numbers for MLS games
Lionel Messi's Net Worth
Messi's income from Inter Miami and sponsorships has measurably added to his net worth, estimated at $850 million by Celebrity Net Worth. His move to the United States has turned Inter Miami into a commercial brand and has altered, for better or worse, the trajectory of the whole MLS on and off the field.