And here we go again. It’s almost comical at this point. A certain publication has reported that soccer player Lionel Messi has EARNED a billion dollars in his career and bested Cristiano Ronaldo to become the second footballer to earn a billion. The key word here is EARN. Just because Lionel Messi has amassed $1 billion in earnings before tax throughout his entire career does not make him a billionaire, but those are the headlines the internet is running with today. Read closely, people. Messi has earned a billion, and he has a net worth of $400 million. The earnings statement clearly says this is before tax. It also doesn’t take into account any fees paid to managers and agents or any debt in the form of mortgages and car loans. Messi is one of the best footballers in the game and he is extraordinarily wealthy, but he is NOT a billionaire.
Messi is a six-time Ballon d'Or winner. He will make $126 million this year in salary and endorsements. He is the face of Adidas and has other deals with Pepsi and video game company Konami. He also recently released his own beer through Budweiser. He is the highest-paid soccer player of the year. Ronaldo trails him with $117 million in earnings this year.
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Hey, we can see how if you’re not paying close attention a headline that reads something like “Lionel Messi becomes football's second billionaire…” and also “beats Cristiano Ronaldo in” that other publication's rich list you would believe it. However, if you read beyond the headline, it becomes clear that Messi and Ronaldo are not actually billionaires; they’ve both just earned that total over their careers. They haven’t even seen that total because the $1 billion is pre-tax.
Messi recently tried to leave Barcelona by exercising a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to leave the team for free – meaning any team that picked him up would not have to pay his hefty release clause. The team denied that he was still eligible to exercise that option. On September 4, he announced that he was staying in Barcelona as the team made it “impossible” for him to depart.
Messi has been playing soccer professionally for 16 years. He’s currently playing for La Liga club Barcelona as well as Argentina's national team. His contract runs until the summer of 2021. If he wins FIFA's Player of the Year award, his salary and earnings will go over $141 million.
Table of Contents
Biography
Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He began playing football at a young age, showcasing extraordinary talent. By the age of 13, he moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona, where he would spend the majority of his career.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lionel Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Nationality | Argentinian |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
Career Highlights
Messi’s career is filled with numerous accolades and records. He has won multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or awards, cementing his status as the best player in the world on several occasions. Throughout his time with Barcelona, he helped the team win numerous La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and Copa del Rey titles.
His play style is characterized by exceptional dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Messi's unique talent has not only led him to personal success but has also significantly contributed to his teams' victories.
Earnings and Net Worth
It has been reported that Messi has earned a staggering $1 billion throughout his career, but it's crucial to understand that this figure is gross income, not net worth. His actual net worth is estimated around $400 million, which accounts for taxes, agent fees, and other expenses.
In 2021, Messi's salary was projected to be $126 million, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world. His lucrative endorsements with brands like Adidas and Pepsi also contribute significantly to his income.
Messi vs. Ronaldo
The rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been a defining aspect of football for over a decade. Both players have achieved incredible success and have set numerous records, making comparisons inevitable.
While Messi is known for his playmaking abilities and dribbling skills, Ronaldo is often praised for his physical attributes and goal-scoring prowess. Their contrasting styles have sparked debates among fans and analysts, adding excitement to the sport.
Contract Controversy
In recent years, Messi has faced challenges regarding his contract with Barcelona. He attempted to exercise a clause that would allow him to leave the club for free, but the club denied his request. This situation highlighted the complexities of player contracts in modern football.
Ultimately, Messi decided to stay with Barcelona, indicating his commitment to the club despite the challenges. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and the media.
Final Thoughts
Lionel Messi’s journey in football has been remarkable, filled with highs and lows. While the headlines may exaggerate his financial status, his contributions to the sport are undeniable. As he continues to play, fans eagerly await what new records he will set and what history he will make.
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