Net Worth Surpasses 1.5 Trillion Won... "God of Soccer" Messi Becomes a Billionaire

Beyond Salaries and Endorsements: Investments in Hotels, Real Estate, and Football Clubs
"Soccer Has an Expiration Date"... Preparing for Life After Retirement

Lionel Messi, the 'God of Soccer' from Argentina and current Inter Miami player, has reportedly surpassed a net worth of $1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion won), officially joining the ranks of billionaires.

On May 23 (local time), Argentine media outlet Ambito, citing financial analysis from Bloomberg and others, reported that Messi's assets had exceeded $1 billion.

Messi has earned world-class income throughout his career, playing for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami. Since 2007, he is estimated to have earned over $700 million (approximately 1.06 trillion won) from player salaries and bonuses alone. In addition, his wealth has increased significantly through global endorsement deals, investment returns, and the value of business equity stakes.

The 'God of Soccer' Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) has become a billionaire. Photo by Yonhap News

In particular, his economic influence has grown even further since moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Local media outlets have reported that Messi's contract may include the possibility of acquiring a stake in the club. As a result, the rise in club value and the expansion of broadcasting and subscription businesses have formed a structure where Messi's personal assets increase in tandem. In fact, Inter Miami has reportedly seen a significant boost in ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and subscription service revenue since Messi joined the team.

Messi is also active in business investments outside of sports. In Spain, he participates in hotel and real estate investment trust (REITs) businesses, and he is also investing in restaurant franchises and the consumer goods sector. To prepare for his retirement, he has invested in football clubs and is said to be pursuing joint sports projects with his former teammate Luis Suarez.

Messi once remarked at a forum, "Soccer has an expiration date. Business is an area I am learning about."

Experts say that Messi's case demonstrates not just wealth accumulation by a sports star, but also the evolution of individual athletes into brands and investment platforms. As the global sports industry integrates with finance, media, and equity structures, the influence of athletes is expanding well beyond the playing field.

LeBron James, who became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire in 2022, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who became a billionaire before Messi, also share the trait that income outside the field—such as brand endorsement deals, club equity, and business investments—accounts for a greater proportion of their wealth than salaries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.