Lionel Messi becomes football’s second billionaire after Cristiano Ronaldo
New York: Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has officially entered the billionaire club, becoming only the second footballer in history to achieve the milestone after long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index cited by Goal.com.
A Bloomberg analysis estimated that the 38-year-old football star has earned more than $700 million (£521 million) in salaries and bonuses since 2007.
After factoring in taxes, investment returns, market movements and endorsement income, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index reportedly places Messi’s net worth above the $1 billion mark.
The achievement places the Inter Miami CF captain alongside Ronaldo, who became the first footballer to attain billionaire status following his 2023 transfer to Al-Nassr FC.
Different paths to billionaire status
While Ronaldo’s commercial success has often been associated with an aggressive global branding and marketing strategy, Messi’s financial rise has reportedly followed a more measured path.
According to the report, Messi’s wealth accumulation has largely been shaped through family-led financial management and carefully selected endorsement and investment partnerships across Europe and the United States.
Over the years, the Argentine superstar has built one of the most commercially successful careers in modern sport, both on and off the pitch.
Messi honoured with street name in United States
Messi’s growing cultural impact in North America has also continued beyond football.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, a township in New Jersey has officially named a road in his honour.
A section of Sherman Avenue in Berkeley Heights has now been designated as “Leo Messi Way”.
The suburb, located in Union County and home to just over 13,000 residents, approved the initiative as part of preparations and celebrations linked to the upcoming World Cup.
The move was led by the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force, a local administrative initiative created to organise community events and generate excitement ahead of the global tournament.
Messi’s influence on football in the United States
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has played a major role in transforming the football landscape in the United States.
His arrival in Major League Soccer has been linked to record-breaking attendance figures, increased global attention on American football and a growing influx of European football stars moving to the league.
Messi also continues to remain central to Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after leading the country to World Cup glory in 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina’s 2026 World Cup group fixtures
Argentina has been placed in Group J for the upcoming World Cup alongside Austria, Jordan and Algeria.
The defending world champions are scheduled to begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
With Messi continuing to lead both on and off the field, the football legend’s influence now stretches from sporting achievements to business success and cultural recognition across the world.