Lionel Messi’s arrival has transformed Inter Miami into one of the most valuable franchises in MLS. His presence has attracted new sponsors, increased ticket sales, and boosted the team’s overall profile. The economic impact of Messi’s move has been felt throughout the league.
Lionel Messi‘s decision to choose Inter Miami as his next destination marked a turning point for the club led by David Beckham, the Argentine star, and the world of soccer. The sporting results are evident: Inter Miami has won its first two titles in its history with Messi as a key figure. However, the economic impact was also noticeable, having its own repercussions on the team’s and Messi’s coffers.
In mid-2023, when Leo’s transfer to North American soccer as Inter Miami’s star franchise player was made official, there was speculation from the beginning about the millions of dollars that would be behind his arrival, for what was done off and on the field, taking into account the sponsorships that he would promote, a situation that even exceeded expectations. The comparison that some number lovers made with Cristiano Ronaldo‘s contract was immediate, but being close to matching the 200 million dollars that the Portuguese earns annually since his arrival at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia seemed utopian.
Close to two years after Messi’s arrival in Miami, the results of his arrival are evident: sold-out tickets for each of his matches, millionaire friendly tours in each soccer recess, and new sponsors, both for his team and his own personal brand. A number of data that were collected and allowed to end the mystery: decipher how much Leo earns annually, marking the difference with “El Bicho” (The Bug).
Messi vs. Ronaldo: The earnings breakdown
According to Forbes magazine, designer of a recent list that lists the ten highest-paid athletes in the world, Ronaldo is the comfortable owner of the first position. CR7 would have income of 60 million dollars outside the field, which are complemented by the 200 million American bills that he receives for playing in the Arab league, totaling 260 million dollars.
For his part, Messi, despite having caused Inter Miami to become one of the most valuable franchises in his league, with revenues that grow month by month, is far from receiving the same figure as Ronaldo for his performance on the field. Although, he surpasses him in extra-soccer income.
The captain of the Argentine National Team would own a salary of 65 million dollars per season at Inter Miami, while off the field he would receive in his bank account the sum of 75 million dollars. Figures that give a total of USD 135,000,000, which would position Messi as the third highest-paid athlete in the world, behind golfer Jon Rahm (218 million dollars), who increased his fortune after joining LIV Golf, the Saudi circuit.
