Lionel Messi has retired from international football after more than two decades with Argentina, closing one of the most remarkable careers in football history — and leaving behind a fortune estimated at more than $1 billion.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and ended his international career in 2026 with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country.
The 39-year-old football superstar is not only regarded as one of the greatest players of all time but also ranks among the sport’s wealthiest athletes.
How much money did Lionel Messi make?
According to Forbes, Messi earned approximately $1.8 billion throughout his career from football salaries, endorsements and other commercial ventures.
His estimated net worth at the time of his retirement stands at around $1.1 billion, putting him among the small group of footballers to reach billionaire status during their playing careers.
Forbes estimates that Messi will earn around $140 million in 2026, with his income roughly divided between earnings from football and off-field commercial activities.
Messi’s fortune from Barcelona
A significant portion of Messi’s career earnings came during his extraordinary 17-year spell at Barcelona.
After joining the club’s first team as a teenager, Messi went on to win 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies before leaving Barcelona in 2021.
His long association with the Spanish club also helped establish him as one of the most marketable athletes in the world, attracting lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals.
‘Right time’: Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
From PSG to Inter Miami
After leaving Barcelona, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
His move to Major League Soccer proved to be commercially significant beyond his playing contract. His deal with Inter Miami includes substantial commercial benefits, while his arrival helped increase the club’s global profile, ticket sales and overall value.
Messi’s commercial appeal has remained a major source of his wealth even as his playing career approaches its conclusion.
Messi’s international legacy
Messi’s financial success has accompanied an extraordinary international career.
After years of disappointment with Argentina, he finally lifted his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America.
He then captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, before winning another Copa America title in 2024.
With 125 international goals and 207 appearances, Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record appearance-maker and top scorer.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football — but his record-breaking career has also cemented his status as one of the highest-earning and most commercially successful footballers in history.
