Lionel Messi is one of the most loved and respected footballers in the world. His journey from a small city in Argentina to the biggest football stages is full of hard work, patience, and talent. Known for his quick feet, calm nature, and match-winning goals, Messi has inspired millions of fans across the globe. Even after achieving everything in football, he continues to shine with the same passion, now wearing Inter Miami colors. This article takes a closer look at Messi’s life, career, achievements, family, and the journey that made him a true football icon.
Who is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is considered to be one of the greatest football players in history and has had an extremely successful career. He was born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24, 1987. From an early age, he showed exceptional ability as a football player, playing in the streets around his neighborhood. At the age of 11, however, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that had the potential to curtail his dream of becoming a football superstar. Fortunately, after noticing Messi’s immense talent, FC Barcelona signed him as a player and also took care of his treatment and development as a soccer player. At the time of writing this, Messi is 38 years old and is currently one of the leading players in his position for FC Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi Biography
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Lionel Messi Net Worth 2025 Breakdown
As of December 2025, Messi had amassed a net worth of $850 million. According to Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes Earnings Tracker, his total lifetime earnings as a soccer star are more than $1.6 billion (prior to paying taxes). While he has not yet reached the status of billionaire, his position with Inter Miami will earn him $60 million per year through a combination of salary, bonuses, and equity stakes in his team. Over the course of his career, he is expected to have also received $70-$75 million from various companies and brands, making him the highest-paid soccer player in the world.
Lionel Messi Assets and Luxury Holdings
Messi combines being flashy with being smart as he owns a $10.75 million Miami beachfront home, equipped with a movie theater for entertaining his children during game days. The homes in Argentina where Messi was raised show he has deep roots in the country. For enjoyable trips, he also drives a $12 million Ferrari SF90 and owns a super yacht. Additionally, he has a growing hotel chain, shopping malls in Rosario, and investments in startups that utilize AI in sports technology.
Lionel Messi Year-by-Year Net Worth Growth Table
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Lionel Messi Career Journey
Lionel Messi career journey is like a great movie script! When Messi was just 13 years old, FC Barcelona (FCB) moved him from Argentina to Spain and helped his family with the costs of medical treatment that they would not have been able to afford on their own. At the age of 17, he began playing professionally for FCB, scoring his first professional goal very quickly after starting. Over the next 17 years with FCB, Messi scored an incredible 672 goals, won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, and truly was the heart and soul of the team! In 2021, he was forced to leave FC Barcelona due to financial difficulties he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in order to continue his career. In 2022, Messi helped PSG win the Ligue 1 championship in France, while also winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, which was a huge celebration for all of Argentine football.
Lionel Messi Awards and Achievements
Lionel Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or (awarded in 2009-2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023) awards, the most in history, surpassing the 5 won by Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022, Messi led Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup and received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He has also to his credit winning 3 Copa America (2021, 2024) and the Finalissima of 2022. At the club level, he was instrumental in winning 4 Champions League titles, 10 La Liga championships, and 7 Copa del Rey titles with FC Barcelona. Lionel Messi holds numerous records, including scoring more than 800 goals for his clubs, having set a world record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year in 2012 and leading all players with the most assists in the history of La Liga.
How Lionel Messi Makes His Millions: Income Sources
- Earnings as a Player: With an annual salary of approximately $60 million from Inter Miami, which also includes additional earnings from ticket sales and television broadcast rights, Messi receives the majority of his earnings.
- Massive Brand Partnerships: Messi's long-term endorsement deal with Adidas is one of his biggest sources of revenue at $75 million per year and an overall guaranteed payout of over $1 billion. Other endorsement deals include beverage manufacturers Budweiser and Pepsi, as well as technology company Apple TV.
- Ownership: Messi has a small ownership stake (approximately 10%) in the Inter Miami franchise, which is valued at more than $2 billion. He also runs a family-friendly hotel chain named MiM Hotels in the country of Spain.
- Various Income Streams: Messi's retail store, The Messi Store, is a good market for quickly selling sports-related items, and through technology product endorsements like Play Time, he is able to generate a steady income without putting in too much effort.
Lionel Messi Family Life
Lionel Messi is extremely close with his family. He married Antonella Roccuzzo in 2017 after they had been together since childhood when both were living in Rosario, Argentina. Lionel and Antonella have three sons together: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (2015), and Ciro (2018). Together they spend time training, playing soccer and relaxing on the beaches of Florida. Lionel prefers to spend quiet family days with Antonella and his children instead of being at big parties because this is where he finds happiness and motivation on and off the soccer field.
Lionel Messi Legacy and Future Plans
Lionel Messi is a true football legend whose impact goes far beyond the game. Even at 38, he continues to excel with Inter Miami, breaking records and inspiring fans around the world. Off the field, Messi focuses on business ventures, including hotels and tech investments, while also supporting charitable projects in Argentina and globally. He remains dedicated to his family, balancing life at home with his career. Messi’s journey shows that with talent, hard work, and humility, anyone can achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy.
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