Lionel Messi Joins Billionaire Club: How The World Cup Winner Matches Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has joined the billionaire ranks, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Inter Miami captain is only the second footballer to cross this line, following long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 2023 switch to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia pushed Ronaldo into the same wealth bracket.

Bloomberg’s study estimates that Lionel Messi has earned more than $700 million (£521 million) in wages and bonuses since 2007. After tax deductions, investment returns, endorsement income and market changes are considered, the index now values Lionel Messi’s personal fortune at over $1 billion.

Lionel Messi billionaire status and financial journey

The analysis places Lionel Messi alongside Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo, the first footballer recorded as a billionaire. Ronaldo’s public profile has grown through heavy marketing campaigns. In contrast, Lionel Messi’s path to ten-figure wealth is described as slower and more measured, guided by family advice and selective commercial partnerships across Europe and the United States.

These deals include a wide mix of sponsorships and investments, which Bloomberg lists as crucial to Lionel Messi’s financial rise. The report appears as world football debates rising commercialisation, including concerns captured in pieces such as “World Cup 2026 expansion raises debate: More teams, more games, but is football losing its edge?”.

Lionel Messi honours in USA with 'Leo Messi Way’

Off the pitch, Lionel Messi’s influence in North America has also grown. Goal.com reports that a township in New Jersey has named part of a street “Leo Messi Way”. The road section, on Sherman Avenue in Berkeley Heights, honours the Argentina captain who lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Berkeley Heights, a suburb in Union County with a population slightly above 13,000, approved the name change through the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force. This local body was formed to promote civic events and build enthusiasm before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and World Cup 2026 build-up

Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, attendance figures in Major League Soccer have surged across many venues. More established European players have also looked at MLS stints. The broader environment includes concerns highlighted in reports like “FIFA 2026: Fewer Indians likely to travel to US World Cup amid rising costs”.

On the field, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina into the next World Cup cycle with growing attention from US fans. Argentina are placed in Group J with Austria, Jordan and Algeria. The defending champions will start their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.