Current Weekly Salary and Contract Terms
Lionel Messi's salary per week is reported at approximately $600,000 under his contract with Inter Miami CF, which began in July 2023. This translates to an annual base salary of roughly $30 million before bonuses and off-field income. The deal includes a guaranteed compensation structure that covers base pay, performance incentives, and commercial participation requirements. Forbes reported the full contract breakdown shortly after the signing was confirmed.
Inter Miami CF, a member of Major League Soccer, structured the agreement to include both on-field performance bonuses and off-field marketing commitments. The contract length extends through 2025 with options that could extend further based on league and team performance criteria. Weekly compensation places Messi among the highest-paid players in North American professional sports history.
Income Sources Beyond Weekly Salary
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Messi's total weekly income includes significant off-field earnings from long-term endorsement deals with companies such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard. His Adidas partnership alone has been valued at over $10 million annually in previous years, contributing substantially to his overall compensation package. Forbes detailed his endorsement portfolio in a recent net worth assessment.
Ownership and Investment Roles
Beyond salary and endorsements, Messi holds an ownership stake in Inter Miami CF through a minority investment group. This ownership role adds a equity-based compensation layer that supplements his fixed weekly salary. The business structure aligns his personal income with the long-term success of the club and its commercial operations.
Comparison with Other Top Athletes
Weekly Earnings Ranking
Messi's weekly salary of around $600,000 places him at the top of MLS compensation rankings and among the highest weekly earners in global professional soccer. In comparison, the average MLS player earns roughly $50,000 per week, making Messi's weekly income more than ten times the league median. Sporting News provided a league-wide salary comparison following his move to Miami.
Global Soccer Compensation Context
When compared to top European league players, Messi's weekly earnings are competitive with elite salaries in the English Premier League and La Liga. His compensation package reflects both his on-field performance metrics and his global brand value, which drives jersey sales, streaming content, and international sponsorship deals. The combination of base salary, bonuses, and commercial income makes his total weekly earnings one of the highest in professional sports.