Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and successful footballers in history. His career, which spans more than two decades, has been marked by remarkable achievements and an incredible financial trajectory. As of 2020, Messi’s net worth was among the highest for athletes worldwide. The year 2020 represented an interesting chapter in Messi’s career, as he was at the peak of his earnings, both from his football contracts and endorsement deals, all while dealing with a shifting landscape at FC Barcelona and the uncertainty brought by the global pandemic.
Lionel Messi: A Look Back at Messi’s Career Before 2020
Lionel Messi: Lionel Messi’s career began at a very young age in Rosario, Argentina, where he joined FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at the age of 13. Over the next decade, Messi would develop into a player regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game. His record-breaking career at Barcelona saw him winning numerous trophies, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga championships, along with earning individual honors such as the Ballon d’Or.
Messi’s achievements at Barcelona in the years leading up to 2020 were nothing short of extraordinary. In 2020, Messi had already won six Ballon d’Or awards, a record at that time. He was instrumental in Barcelona’s success, with his performances propelling them to the top of European and Spanish football. However, in 2020, Messi was also facing a crossroads in his career, as internal tensions at Barcelona, coupled with the club’s struggles in both domestic and international competitions, led to him considering leaving the club, a move that would eventually take place in 2021.
Messi’s Football Earnings in 2020: Contracts and Salaries
The primary source of Messi’s income in 2020 came from his football career, particularly his contract with FC Barcelona. At the time, Messi’s salary was one of the highest in the world, and he was also entitled to substantial performance-related bonuses, signing bonuses, and image rights payments.
Messi’s Contract and Salary Breakdown in 2020
| Year | Club | Annual Salary (Base) | Signing Bonuses & Performance Bonuses | Total Earnings (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | FC Barcelona | €70 million | €30 million (Bonuses) | €100 million |
Notes:
- Messi’s salary at Barcelona in 2020 was part of a highly lucrative contract extension that had been negotiated in 2017.
- His annual salary at the time was primarily made up of base pay and performance-based bonuses, which could vary based on his goals and achievements throughout the season.
- In addition to these, Messi received image rights payments for his role as the face of Barcelona and various sponsorship deals linked to the club.
At this stage of his career, Messi’s salary was supplemented by numerous additional earnings through image rights, which allowed him to earn additional money through commercial deals tied to his image and branding. His total earnings in 2020 were projected to be approximately €100 million, a figure that placed him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Messi’s Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals in 2020
Lionel Messi’s impact as a global superstar extends far beyond his football career. His image and brand have been cultivated through lucrative endorsement deals with some of the world’s biggest companies. In 2020, Messi was the face of numerous brands, bringing in millions of dollars in endorsement revenue.
Top Endorsements in 2020
| Brand | Estimated Annual Earnings | Type of Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | €10-15 million | Sportswear and Footwear |
| Pepsi | €5 million | Beverage Promotion |
| Huawei | €4 million | Technology and Smartphones |
| Gatorade | €3 million | Hydration Products |
| Budweiser | €2 million | Alcoholic Beverage Deals |
| MasterCard | €2 million | Financial Services Promotion |
Notes:
- Messi’s partnership with Adidas was his largest and most important endorsement deal, where he earned millions annually through his signature line of boots and apparel.
- Other major brands that endorsed Messi in 2020 included Pepsi, Gatorade, and Huawei, which helped cement his status as a global ambassador for numerous products.
- Messi’s deal with Pepsi, which had been ongoing for years, also featured in various commercials and campaigns, further cementing his global appeal.
Messi’s Business Ventures and Investments
Aside from his earnings as a footballer and through endorsements, Lionel Messi has also wisely invested his wealth into various business ventures. These investments have allowed him to diversify his income streams and build wealth beyond the football pitch.
Key Business Investments in 2020
| Business/Investment Type | Estimated Value of Investment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Messi’s Hotels (MIM Hotels) | €25-30 million | A luxury hotel chain located in Spain, including properties in Barcelona and Ibiza. |
| Real Estate | €30-40 million | Messi owns multiple properties across Spain, Argentina, and other global locations. |
| Media Rights & Production | €5 million | Messi has invested in various media ventures, including advertising and TV production companies. |
One of Messi’s most notable investments was in his luxury hotel chain, MIM Hotels, which had properties in popular destinations like Barcelona and Ibiza. This venture allowed Messi to tap into the high-end hospitality market, leveraging his global brand. Additionally, Messi invested in real estate, including a number of residential properties in prime locations like Barcelona and his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Total Net Worth of Lionel Messi in 2020
Taking into account all of his earnings from football, endorsements, and investments, Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2020 was estimated to be around €400 million ($450 million). This figure included:
Football Earnings: Approximately €100 million from salary, bonuses, and image rights.
Endorsement Deals: Roughly €30-40 million from major brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and others.
Business Investments: Around €60-70 million from his investments in hotels, real estate, and media.
Other Assets: Including a diverse portfolio of stocks, properties, and other investments.
This wealth placed Messi among the wealthiest athletes in the world, on par with other global sports icons like Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo, and LeBron James.
Messi’s Philanthropy in 2020
In addition to his financial success, Lionel Messi has also been active in philanthropy. His Leo Messi Foundation, founded in 2007, continued to support various causes in 2020, particularly focusing on children’s health and education. Through his foundation, Messi has donated millions of dollars to improve healthcare and education in Argentina, as well as providing sports opportunities to underprivileged youth.
The Future: Messi’s Legacy and Post-Retirement Plans
As of 2020, Lionel Messi was still at the peak of his powers, but his retirement was inevitably drawing closer. While it was unclear how long Messi would continue to play at the top level, it was certain that his post-retirement career would remain lucrative. With numerous endorsement deals and business ventures already in place, Messi’s wealth is expected to continue growing long after he hangs up his boots.
In 2020, Lionel Messi’s financial empire was truly a reflection of his success on the football field, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his ability to build a global brand. His net worth, estimated at €400 million, was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and business acumen. As Messi continues to play and expand his portfolio beyond football, his wealth is likely to continue growing, cementing his place not only as a football legend but as one of the wealthiest athletes of all time.
