Lionel Messi don officially become billionaire, crossing $1 billion net worth mark, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham as the only self-made billionaires for football history.
The Argentine legend achieve this milestone through im transformative move to Inter Miami, a groundbreaking revenue-sharing deal with Apple, and a savvy portfolio of business ventures.
According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Messi im decision to reject a massive offer from Saudi Arabia and join Inter Miami for 2023 don prove to be a masterstroke. Im current contract include high base salary, significant share of MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV, and cut from Adidas merchandise sales boosted by im global stardom.
According to Bloomberg, Messi don earn more than $700 million for salary and bonuses since 2007. Adjusting for taxes, market performance and income from investments and sponsorships, im net worth don now surpass $1 billion mark.
Beyond the pitch, Messi don build powerful off-field empire wey include long-term global partnership with Adidas, major endorsements with PepsiCo, Mastercard, Budweiser, and Gatorade, im own sports hydration brand Mas+, production company 525 Rosario, and investments for luxury hotels through MiM Hotels.
The 2022 World Cup winner also hold option for significant ownership stake for Inter Miami after retirement, further securing im financial legacy.
Messi im US move also open up other innovative ways of being paid. During initial contract talks, the US football league and Apple discuss revenue-sharing agreement wey go see Messi earn share of sales from new subscriptions to Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass streaming package, according to The Athletic.
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami owner, say take-up for the streaming service double for the months after the player join. Mas, for interview earlier this year, signal Messi total annual pay from the club come to between $70 million and $80 million, taking into account equity rights and player compensation.
With this latest milestone, Messi join Cristiano Ronaldo, wey reach billionaire status first through im Al-Nassr deal and CR7 brand, and Manchester United legend David Beckham, wey im wealth grow through brand building, Miami ownership, and endorsements, as the only footballers to achieve self-made billionaire status purely through football and smart entrepreneurship.
At 38 years old, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continue to defy age on the pitch while cementing im place among the greatest athletes for history, both on and off the field.
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