Inter Miami CF co-owner Jorge Mas revealed this week that Lionel Messi earns between $70 million (£52m) and $80 million (£60m) annually in total compensation. Mas made it clear the club has no issue covering that huge cost for the Argentine superstar.
Speaking to The Athletic, Mas explained that attracting elite sponsors is essential because of the financial demands involved in signing world-class players. He noted that Messi’s salary alone reaches around $70m to $80m each year across all earnings, adding that the club believes the 38-year-old is worth every dollar.
Data from the Major League Soccer Players Association shows Messi receives a $12m base salary, with guaranteed earnings rising to $20.45m when bonuses are included. His agreement also contains a future ownership stake in Inter Miami, significantly increasing the overall value of the deal.
The Argentine legend signed a fresh three-year extension in October, tying him to the Florida club until 2028. Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has had a massive impact on the team.
He played a key role in guiding Miami to the 2025 Major League Soccer title, scoring 29 goals and finishing the season as the league’s Golden Boot winner. Unsurprisingly, he remains the highest-paid player in MLS.
However, even Messi’s enormous earnings are still dwarfed by what Cristiano Ronaldo is making in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese superstar signed a new two-year extension with Al-Nassr FC last June, keeping him in Riyadh until 2027. Reports at the time suggested the deal is worth close to £178 million per year, roughly three times Messi’s annual income.
Widely considered the most lucrative contract in sports history, Ronaldo’s basic salary alone is said to be around £488,000 per day. Once bonuses, sponsorship deals, and additional perks are included, the full package could surpass £492m over two years.
The financial contrast adds another chapter to one of football’s greatest rivalries. Messi and Ronaldo, now aged 38 and 41 respectively, have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, collecting 13 Ballon d’Or trophies between them.
Messi leads the count with eight awards, while Ronaldo has five. Remarkably, the two legends have finished first and second nine times in the award’s history.
Even in the later stages of their careers, both remain central figures for their national teams. Ronaldo continues to captain Portugal national football team, while Messi is still the main figure for the Argentina national football team.
With another FIFA World Cup approaching this summer, the two icons remain active on the international stage.
Ronaldo, despite being in his 40s, has maintained an impressive scoring record in Saudi Arabia. Since joining Al-Nassr in the 2022/23 season, he has netted 121 goals in 137 appearances.
Meanwhile, Messi continues to captivate audiences in MLS while helping elevate the league’s global profile.
The debate over who deserves the title of football’s greatest player has rumbled on for years. But when it comes to current earnings, Ronaldo’s Saudi deal comfortably outstrips Messi’s pay.
Leave a Reply