Lionel Andrés Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. Over an illustrious career that spans more than two decades, Messi has amassed an estimated net worth of $600 million to $700 million as of 2024, making him one of the richest athletes globally.
Early Life and Background
Lionel Messi was born into a working-class family in Rosario, Argentina. His father, Jorge Messi, was a steel factory manager, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. From a young age, Messi showed extraordinary talent in football, but at the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Despite the financial strain, his family supported his treatment, and at age 13, Messi moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, which covered his medical expenses.
Football Career
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
- FC Barcelona (2000-2021): Messi joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, in 2000. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut at the age of 17 in 2004. Messi’s unique dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability quickly made him one of the most exciting talents in world football.
- Breakthrough Years: By 2008, Messi had become Barcelona’s star player, leading the team to multiple titles. His incredible performances helped Barcelona secure a historic treble in the 2008-2009 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
Peak Years and Record-Breaking Success
- Multiple Ballon d’Or Wins: Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, the first of seven (as of 2024), making him the player with the most Ballon d’Or awards in history.
- Club Success: Over his 21-year career with Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He also became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, with over 600 goals in official competitions.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023): In 2021, due to financial difficulties at Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer. At PSG, Messi continued to perform at a high level, adding Ligue 1 titles to his resume.
- Inter Miami CF (2023-Present): In 2023, Messi made a groundbreaking move to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival has been transformative for the league, increasing its global visibility and popularity.
International Career
Messi’s international career with Argentina was initially marked by near-misses, but he eventually achieved glory:
- Copa América 2021: Messi led Argentina to victory in the Copa América, ending the nation’s 28-year trophy drought and cementing his legacy with the national team.
- FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi crowned his international career by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Personal Life
Lionel Messi is known for his low-key lifestyle compared to many other global superstars:
- Family: Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart from Rosario. The couple has three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Messi is known for his close-knit family life, often sharing moments with his family on social media.
- Brand Endorsements: Messi has a lifetime deal with Adidas and numerous endorsements with other global brands, including Pepsi, Gatorade, and L’Oréal.
Net Worth and Financial Portfolio
Salary and Earnings
Messi’s estimated net worth of $600 million to $700 million is derived from several key sources:
- Football Contracts: Messi’s contracts with FC Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami have consistently placed him among the highest-paid athletes in the world. At Barcelona, he had one of the most lucrative contracts in sports history, reportedly earning over $100 million per year at his peak.
- Endorsements: Messi’s endorsement deals contribute significantly to his income, with long-standing partnerships with Adidas, Pepsi, and several other global brands.
- Business Ventures: Messi has invested in various ventures, including his own clothing line, The Messi Store, and a chain of hotels under the MIM Hotels brand.
Real Estate
Messi owns several luxury properties around the world, including:
- A Mansion in Barcelona: Located in the upscale suburb of Castelldefels, this property includes a football pitch, swimming pool, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Properties in Rosario, Argentina: Messi owns a family home in his hometown, as well as other investments in the area.
- Properties in Miami: In anticipation of his move to Inter Miami, Messi reportedly invested in luxury real estate in Miami.
Philanthropy
Messi is also known for his philanthropic efforts:
- Leo Messi Foundation: Founded in 2007, the foundation focuses on providing access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children. It has supported projects around the world, particularly in Argentina and Spain.
- Charitable Donations: Messi has made significant donations to hospitals, UNICEF (for which he serves as a global ambassador), and other charitable causes.
Awards and Legacy
Lionel Messi’s legacy is unparalleled:
- Ballon d’Or: Record seven-time winner.
- UEFA Champions League: Four-time winner with Barcelona.
- Domestic Titles: Multiple La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Ligue 1 titles.
- Top Scorer: Messi is the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and La Liga, with numerous records for goals and assists.
- Legacy: Messi’s influence extends beyond football; he is a global icon whose career has inspired millions around the world.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario with a dream, to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time, is a story of extraordinary talent, resilience, and dedication. With a net worth of $600 million to $700 million, multiple records, and a lasting legacy in football, Messi remains a towering figure in sports, and his influence continues to resonate across the globe.