Lionel Messi becomes second footballer after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach billionaire status
New York, May 24
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has officially joined the billionaire club, becoming only the second footballer in history to achieve the status after long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, cited by Goal.Com.
According to a Bloomberg analysis, the 38-year-old Argentine legend has earned over $700 million (£521 million) in salaries and bonuses since 2007.
After accounting for taxes, market fluctuations, and returns from a wide portfolio of investments and endorsements, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index places Messi's net worth above the $1 billion mark.
The milestone puts the Inter Miami captain alongside Al-Nassr star Ronaldo, who became the first footballer to reach billionaire status following his 2023 move to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
While Ronaldo's global image has been driven by an aggressive marketing strategy, Messi's rise to 10-figure wealth has been a more gradual process, shaped largely through family guidance and carefully chosen partnerships across the United States and Europe.
Meanwhile, Messi's impact on North American football culture and popular culture in general has touched new heights, with the Argentina's FIFA World Cup winning footballer honoured with his own street name, as per Goal.com.Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada, a local township in New Jersey has designated a stretch of road as 'Leo Messi Way'.
The Argentina superstar, who led his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, sees his name get etched into the geography of the United States, which happens to be his place of work as he represents Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The residents of Berkeley Heights, a suburb located in Union County, New Jersey, have officially sanctioned the creation of 'Leo Messi Way' for celebrating the football icon.
The town has a population of just over 13,000 and has chosen a specific section of Sherman Avenue to bear the name of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The initiative was done by the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force.
This local administration group was specifically established for the promotion of community events and building up excitement ahead of the biggest football tournament in the world.
Since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, the football landscape in the USA has changed, with record-breaking attendance records and several stars of European football seeking a run in MLS.
In the upcoming edition, Argentina will be facing Austria, Jordan and Algeria, with whom they are placed in Group J. Their campaign opener will be against Algeria at Kansas City on June 16.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Incredible! Both Ronaldo and Messi have shown what hard work and talent can achieve. I'm particularly happy for Messi because he comes across as such a grounded family man. The 'Leo Messi Way' street naming is a nice touch, but honestly, India should give similar recognition to our football legends like Sunil Chhetri or Bhaichung Bhutia. Just a thought… 🇮🇳❤️
Interesting how Messi made his billions gradually through smart choices and family guidance, as the article says. Ronaldo's approach is more flashy with social media branding and all. But both are proof that footballers can be serious business people. As someone who watches both La Liga and now MLS, Messi's impact on US football culture is undeniable. Can't wait for the 2026 World Cup! 🎉
I find it odd that we're celebrating individual net worth when inequality is so high globally. But I understand this is about excellence. That said, $700 million in salary alone since 2007? That's like ₹5,800 crore! Indian cricketers earn well, but this is a different league entirely. Messi and Ronaldo have truly transformed football. Akash Ambani should have bought Ronaldo or Messi for our ISL, imagine the craze! 😂
I have to respectfully disagree with the tone of this article. Can we please stop comparing Messi and Ronaldo's wealth? They are both GOATs in their own right. The real story here is how Messi's move to Inter Miami has boosted football in North America—look at those attendance records! As for the street naming in New Jersey, nice gesture, but India should also celebrate its football icon Sunil Chhetri before he retires. Just saying… 🤷
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.