Lionel Messi no longer needs to prove anything on the pitch, but he continues to do so. And while he continues to shine at Inter Miami and remains an absolute standard in world football, his financial income confirms that he remains a global phenomenon. According to Forbes magazine, the Argentine star has amassed $130 million in 2025, a figure that makes him the second-highest paid soccer player of the year, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who topped the list with an astonishing $280 million.
Messi’s total sum is a combination of his sports salary and lucrative commercial contracts that continue to expand his empire off the field. Market giants continue to bet on his image, proving that his brand remains one of the most profitable brands on the planet. At 37 years old, Messi not only remains relevant in the world of football, but is also one of the most valuable figures in international sport.
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The 2025 soccer economic ranking includes Karim Benzema ($104 million), Kylian Mbappé ($95 million), Erling Haaland ($80 million), Vinicius Junior ($60 million), Star players such as Hamed Salah ($55 million), Sadio Mane ($54 million), Jude Bellingham ($44 million) and Lamine Yamal ($43 million) also strengthen this ranking. Economic control of elite football.
LeBron James is the only player to surpass Messi
Globally, only LeBron James could earn more than the Argentine. The NBA legend finished the year with $132.6 million, including $52.6 million from his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and a staggering $80 million from commercial contracts. It clearly reflects what he stands for, not only as a sportsman, but as an integrated brand around the world.
LeBron, like Messi, is in the final stages of his sports career but continues to dominate through influence, leadership, and media influence. Both are still going strong, both still maintain decisive positions in their respective leagues, and most of all, continue to move amounts of money that only the true giants of the sport can afford.
Messi is more relevant than ever
In other words, Messi is not only competing on the pitch, he is also competing in the business of sports. His $130 million keeps him at the top of the world economic rankings and confirms that he remains one of the most influential people on the planet. Performance, image, leadership, continuity: Argentines remain synonymous with greatness…even in the field of finance.
