Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, has made a massive fortune through his illustrious career. From his time at Barcelona to his recent move to Inter Miami, Messi’s earnings have always been a topic of fascination for fans and media alike. But just how much does Messi make per day? Let’s break it down in a way that even the non-financial folks can understand!
Messi’s Salary Overview
Messi’s career earnings are not just about his football contracts. A large portion comes from endorsement deals, commercial partnerships, and his social media presence. Let’s look at how much Messi earns from different streams:
- On-field earnings (salary and bonuses): Forbes reported that Messi earned a whopping $65 million from playing football in 2024.
- Off-field earnings (endorsements, sponsorships, and social media): In the same year, his off-field earnings added another $70 million, making his total income $135 million.
This doesn’t include his business ventures like his clothing line and hotel chain, or his Instagram earnings.
Messi’s Annual Income
As of 2024, Messi’s income is primarily divided into his salary at Inter Miami, endorsement deals, and a significant portion from social media posts.
- Annual salary from Inter Miami: $20.4 million, including performance bonuses and guaranteed compensation.
- Endorsement deals: Messi has partnerships with global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Gillette. His long-standing deal with Adidas, for example, has made him one of the most recognized faces in sports marketing.
- Social media earnings: Messi’s Instagram account is a goldmine, with over 500 million followers. His sponsored posts on Instagram are estimated to earn him around $4.9 million per post.
Breaking Down Messi’s Earnings by Time
Let’s get more specific and see just how much Messi makes at different time intervals:
- Per Year: $135 million
- Per Month: $11.25 million
- Per Week: $2.81 million
- Per Day: $370,000
- Per Hour: $16,000
- Per Minute: $266
- Per Second: $4.43
Yes, you read that correctly. Messi earns more in one second than many people make in a year! It’s no wonder that he’s considered one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
How Does Messi’s Salary Compare to Other Football Stars?
Messi’s earnings aren’t just impressive—they’re some of the highest in the world of sports. To give you some perspective, in 2024, Messi is second on Forbes’ list of highest-paid footballers. While his earnings don’t quite surpass those of Cristiano Ronaldo in total, the sheer consistency of Messi’s income from endorsements and social media puts him right at the top.
Messi’s massive social media following also gives him a unique advantage, allowing him to earn millions just by posting ads. Every time he shares a post, he brings in millions of dollars, which is something no other athlete has fully leveraged as Messi has.
How Much Does Messi Make from Instagram?
Messi is not just a footballer; he’s also a social media mogul. With nearly 500 million Instagram followers, he makes millions from sponsored posts alone. According to reports, Messi earns $4.9 million for each sponsored post on Instagram. Given his frequent posts, he’s estimated to have earned over $200 million from Instagram ads in 2023 alone.
Messi’s Endorsements
One of the major reasons Messi’s financial portfolio is so vast is his endorsement deals. His partnership with Adidas, which began in 2006, remains one of the most successful athlete-brand collaborations in history. Messi has his own line of boots, called Adidas Messi, which is a direct reflection of his influence in the sportswear industry.
But Messi’s endorsement deals go beyond just Adidas. He has lucrative contracts with brands like Pepsi, Lay’s, Budweiser, and Turkish Airlines. These deals have kept him on the radar of top global brands for years, allowing him to capitalize on his global fame.
Business Ventures
Beyond football, Messi has also found success in business. He owns the Mim Hotels chain and the Messi Store clothing shop. These ventures, along with his real estate investments, contribute significantly to his overall wealth.
Messi’s Impact on MLS and Inter Miami
When Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, the deal was more than just about salary. He received a base salary of $12 million, but his total guaranteed income is much higher due to bonuses and revenue-sharing deals. The deal also included unique opportunities such as shares in the team and a portion of MLS Season Pass sales through Apple TV.
By joining Inter Miami, Messi has not only raised the profile of the MLS but has also demonstrated the financial power athletes possess in modern sports. With additional sponsorships and a financial stake in the club, Messi’s income will likely soar to new heights during his time in the United States.
Messi’s Wealth from Social Media and Merchandising
It’s impossible to ignore the role that social media plays in Messi’s financial success. As the second most-followed individual on Instagram, Messi is an influencer on a massive scale. He can charge premium rates for each sponsored post, earning millions from brands wanting access to his vast audience.
Furthermore, Messi’s merchandising revenue is another important source of income. From personalized Adidas boots to Barcelona jerseys, Messi’s name and likeness drive significant sales. In fact, shirts with Messi’s name on them have been some of the best-selling football merchandise in the world.
Messi’s Future Earnings Potential
With his contract at Inter Miami, Messi has set himself up for a bright financial future. Upon the completion of his contract, he will have the opportunity to purchase a franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), further solidifying his place in the world of business. His financial portfolio will continue to grow as long as he maintains his influence in both football and beyond.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s earnings are staggering, even by the standards of elite athletes. From his $135 million annual salary to his endorsement deals and business ventures, Messi’s wealth is a testament to his success both on and off the field. His earnings per day, hour, and even second highlight how far he’s come in the world of professional sports. Whether through football, social media, or business, Messi’s financial empire continues to expand, making him a true icon of wealth in the sporting world.
