Lionel Messi, the club hero for FC Barcelona, the captain of Argentina and currently who dons the Paris Saint-Germain jersey turned 35 on Friday, June 24.
Lionel Andrés Messi, also known as Leo Messi, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players of all time, has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and was included in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team in 2020.
He played 17 seasons for Barcelona before joining PSG in 2021. In his 809 club appearances, he has scored 681 goals and provided 317 assists to his teammates. He is the all-time highest assist maker in football history.
He also has the most appearances for the Argentina national team. He appeared in 162 games, where he scored 86 goals and provided 49 assists. The most glorious moment in his international career came in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa America under his leadership. He was also awarded the golden boot and the best player of the tournament.
Endorsement:
Messi’s first collaboration with Adidas was in 2006. Messi inked a lifetime contract with the company in February 2017. According to media sources, Messi earns £18 million each year from the contract.
Lionel Messi is a brand ambassador of Pepsico’s sports-themed beverage Gatorade alongside Usain Bolt, Elena Delle Donne, Jabari Parker, Dwyane Wade, and PV Sindhu.
The elite football player’s endorsement portfolio also includes Ooredoo, Pepsi, Lay’s, Jacob & Co., Budweiser, Hard Rock International, SIRIN LABS, SikSilk, LEAFTY, Socios.com, Mengniu, Orcam, Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard.
Net Worth:
According to Goal, Messi’s net worth is estimated to be $400 million dollars. Football contracts, endorsement deals, and investments are listed as his source of income.
The 35-year-old signed a contract with PSG in August 2021. His original contract is for two years and is worth $75 million before taxes and $40 million after taxes. Messi’s deal also permits him to earn further bonuses based on achievement and a percentage of shirt sales.
Like many other players, Messi has a fondness for expensive cars: he owns a Ferrari F430 Spider, a Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale and an Audi R8 Spyder.
Investments:
In 2016, Messi started his own worldwide lifestyle clothing line. Ginny Hilfiger, prominent designer, and sister of Tommy Hilfiger have served as Creative Director of ‘The Messi Store’ since June 2020, with Maria Sol Messi, who works as Brand Manager.
Over the last decade, Messi has made various real estate investments. These are said to generate millions of dollars in profit each year.
• Sitges 77-bedroom four-star hotel
• Ibiza and Mallorca hotels
• Andorra ski resort
Charity:
Messi’s most productive and admirable investment is the Leo Messi Foundation, which works with UNICEF to help children all over the world, particularly those suffering from health issues like those Messi faced. He is an “Ambassador” for UNICEF, and he recently contributed to establishing classrooms for 1600 war-orphaned children in Syria.
Lionel also participates in individual fundraising events such as global football matches to benefit various organizations. Messi financially supports several of Argentina’s youth football clubs, including Sarmiento, Rosario Central, Newell’s, River Plate, and Boca Junior.