Lionel Messi's billionaire wealth fueled by Adidas partnership and Inter Miami stake

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star, has become one of the few active athletes worth over $1 billion. Forbes estimates his net worth at about $1.1 billion, built from $70 million in last‑season salary, a similar amount in sponsorship and licensing deals, and the future equity he will receive in MLS club Inter Miami.

The financial success traces back to an early partnership shift: after Nike missed service requests for the young player, Adidas stepped in and secured a long‑term endorsement that grew into a multibillion‑dollar brand relationship. Messi’s on‑field achievements—including becoming the all‑time top scorer in World Cup history—have amplified the commercial value of that deal.

In 2023 he turned down a reported Saudi‑league offer worth up to $400 million per season, opting instead to join Inter Miami, a move that mirrors David Beckham’s late‑career transition and adds a potential ownership stake to his portfolio.