How Lionel Messi became a billionaire: Sponsors, investments and owning 3 lavish hotels

Earlier this week, it was reported that six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi became only second footballer to cross $1billion mark through career earnings. Although arch-rival Cristia Ronaldo beat Messi to  feat earlier this year, 33-year-old topped charts for highest-earning footballer in 2020. Here's a look at how Lionel Messi became a billionaire through his lucrative sponsorship deals, football salary and by investing in real estate. 

ALSO READ: 'We Are Killing Players': PSG Boss Tuchel Reacts To Players Being Exhausted After Win

Lionel Messi career earnings: Progressive rise in salary at Barcelona 

Although Lionel Messi began his Barcelona senior career in 2004, it didn't take long for club to realise that young Argentine was head and shoulders above rest of players emerging through La Masia. In 2007, at just 20 years of , Messi signed a contract extension with Spanish giants which saw him earn around $116,000 (€98,000) per week. At such a tender , Messi was already one of highest-paid players at club. 

ALSO READ: Thiago Transfer News: Liverpool Agree €30m Deal With Bayern Munich For Spanish Midfielder

Ever since n, Lionel Messi has gone on to make millions each year and featured regularly in Forbes' annual list of top 10 highest-paid footballers. In 2015, Messi's salary totalled $51.8m (€44m) but has almost doubled over past five years. Messi's fixed salary at Barcelona is around $92m (€78m) but with bonuses and winning trophies, that figure only rises. Forbes claimed that Lionel Messi is set to earn a whopping $126 million (€106m) this year.

ALSO READ: Premier League's Top 10 Earners Revealed As Aubameyang Tops Charts with New Arsenal deal

Lionel Messi endorsements and sponsorship deals

Along with Lionel Messi's salary at Barcelona, 10-time LaLiga winner's endorsements and sponsorship deals have played a major role in helping him become a billionaire. Reports from Forbes suggest that Messi makes around $34m (€28m) through endorsements.and one of his biggest deals came through signing a partnership deal with sportswear brand, Adidas. Messi reportedly signed a lifetime deal with Adidas in 2017, which rakes in over $12m (€10m) each year. Messi has also signed deals with Pepsi, Gatorade, Huawei, Mastercard, and a number of or famous brands earning him plenty in revenue over years. 

ALSO READ: Man City Transfer News: Koulibaly Deal Stalls, Atletico's Gimenez In £70m Consideration

Lionel Messi net worth: Messi's luxurious hotel near Barcelona

In order to build and grow his net worth, Lionel Messi ventured into purchasing real estate. It is reported that Lionel Messi owns a four-star hotel in a beach town near Barcelona and splashed a reported $33m (€28m) on project in 2017. luxurious hotel reportedly has a paramic terrace overlooking sea as well as incredible views since it's situated close to beach with prices for 77-room hotel going for around $294 (€250) to $353 (€300) per night. Messi also owns hotels in Ibiza and Majorca. Reports from Goal claim that Lionel Messi's net worth is a staggering $400 million (€336m). 

Disclaimer: above Lionel Messi net worth, endorsements and career earnings figures have been sourced from various websites and media reports. This website does t guarantee 100% accuracy of Messi net worth figures.

Im Credits - Leo Messi Instagram