Football legend Lionel Messi has arrived in India after 14 years, creating excitement among fans across the country. He is visiting from December 13 to December 15 as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. This is Messi’s second visit to India. His first trip was in 2011, when he played against Venezuela as part of the Argentina squad. That match was also his debut as captain of the national team. In 2022, Messi reached the peak of his career by winning the FIFA World Cup, fulfilling his dream and following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona.
Messi’s early life and career
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing him as the world’s best male player between 2009 and 2023. In 2022, he led Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup, further cementing his legacy on the global stage.
Lionel Messi’s net worth
Messi is one of the richest and most successful athletes in the world. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at around USD 850 million (approx. Rs 7,055 crore). While not officially a billionaire by net worth, his total career earnings before taxes have crossed USD 1.6 billion (approx. Rs 13,280 crore), making him one of the few active athletes to reach such heights.
Messi’s income from football and club ownership
Messi earns about USD 130–135 million (approx. Rs 10,790–11,200 crore) every year. His on-field salary is around USD 60 million (approx. Rs 4,980 crore) per year, mostly from his contract with Inter Miami and additional performance bonuses. He also owns a 10 per cent stake in the club, which could grow in value in the coming years.
Earnings from endorsements and business
Off the field, Messi earns about USD 70–75 million (approx. Rs 5,810–6,225 crore) per year through endorsements and business deals, as per Lifestyle Asia report. His most important contract is a lifetime deal with Adidas, reportedly worth USD 25 million (approx. Rs 2,075 crore) annually. He also endorses global brands like Budweiser, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mastercard, and Stanley 1913.
Social media earnings and other ventures
Messi has over 510 million followers on Instagram. As per Lifestyle Asia, he earns around USD 2.7 million (approx. Rs 224 crore) for every sponsored post, making social media an important source of income. He also owns luxury properties in Barcelona, Miami, and Rosario, valued at over USD 200 million (approx. Rs 16,600 crore). Messi has a private jet and luxury cars, including Mercedes, Maserati, Range Rover, and Audi, alongside a simpler Toyota Prius. He has also invested in MiM Hotels.
Messi’s luxury lifestyle and assets
According to Siasat, Messi earns around Rs 550–600 crore annually from brand endorsements alone. His lifetime deal with Adidas is valued at over Rs 9,000 crore. Other global brands he works with include Apple, Pepsi, Mastercard, and Konami. His football salary and bonuses add hundreds of crore rupees more to his annual income.
Messi’s lifestyle reflects his success. He owns luxury homes in Barcelona, Miami, Andorra, and London. His most expensive property is in Ibiza, Spain, worth nearly Rs 100 crore. He also owns a private jet of around Rs 100 crore and has investments in hotels, fashion brands, and the Messi Store.
