Lionel Messi Net Worth, Historic $1 Billion Contract with Saudi Pro League, and Saudi Arabia Tourism Deal

Last Updated- September 20, 2024

Ask About	Answer
Net Worth	Around $650+ Million (2024)
Salary	Around $75 Million (2024)
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.69 m)
Profession	Football player
Spouse	Antonela Roccuzzo
Kids	3, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro
Parents	Jorge Messi, Celia María Cuccittini

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Lionel Messi Net Worth

Leo Messi net worth 2023-2024 is estimated to be $650+ Million. His illustrious career with FC Barcelona, marked by 672 goals in 778 games, has been a key source of wealth. Messi’s total earnings, combining salary and endorsements, exceed $1.3 billion.

Recent reports hint at a groundbreaking $1 billion contract with a Saudi Pro League team, potentially earning him $400 million per season, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-setting $535 million deal in December 2022.

Lionel Messi’s Early Life

Birth and Family Background

• Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He was raised in a working-class family. His father, Jorge Messi, worked in a steel factory, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, held a part-time cleaning job. Messi grew up with 3 siblings: 2 brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.

Early Passion for Football

• Messi’s love for football began at an early age. At just 5 years old, he started playing for a local club called Grandoli, which was coached by his father. Even as a young child, Messi was obsessed with the game, and his exceptional ball control and talent were noticeable from the start.

Growth Hormone Deficiency Diagnosis

• At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency (GHD), which affected his ability to grow. This medical condition posed a serious threat to his future in football. The treatment required expensive hormone injections, and although Messi’s family supported his dream, they couldn’t afford the costs on their own.

The Turning Point: Barcelona’s Interest

• Messi’s undeniable talent didn’t go unnoticed. At 13, he was offered a life-changing opportunity when FC Barcelona scouts saw him play. Barcelona agreed to cover the costs of his medical treatment if Messi moved to Spain and joined their youth academy, La Masia. In 2000, Messi and his father relocated to Spain, marking the beginning of his European football journey.

Adapting to a New Life

• Moving to Barcelona was a challenge for the young Messi. He missed his family, friends, and home country, and the cultural shift was difficult. Despite this, Messi remained committed to football and quickly adapted to his new environment. His skills on the pitch stood out, and he advanced through the ranks at Barcelona’s youth academy.

A Rising Star

• Messi’s rise was rapid. He progressed quickly through the youth teams, and by the age of 16, he made his first appearance for Barcelona’s senior team in a friendly match. His small stature was often deceptive, as his incredible speed, agility, and ability to dribble past defenders left a lasting impression.

Lionel Messi’s Family, Love, and Life Off the Field

1. Family Background and Humble Roots
   Lionel Messi was born into a working-class family in Rosario, Argentina. His father, Jorge Messi, worked in a steel factory, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, had a part-time job as a cleaner. Despite humble beginnings, Messi’s family has always been supportive of his football career, especially during the difficult years when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
2. Relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo
   Messi has been in a long-term relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, a fellow native of Rosario. Antonela is the cousin of Messi’s childhood friend, Lucas Scaglia. The couple’s love story began when they were children, but their relationship became public in the late 2000s. After years of being together, Messi and Antonela tied the knot in a grand ceremony in 2017, often dubbed the “Wedding of the Century” in Argentina.
3. Children
   Lionel Messi and Antonela have three sons:

• Thiago Messi (born 2012)
• Mateo Messi (born 2015)
• Ciro Messi (born 2018)

Messi often shares his love for his family on social media, showing his strong bond with his wife and children. Despite his fame, Messi is known for being a dedicated father who enjoys spending time with his boys.

4. A Private and Humble Personality
   Despite his global fame, Messi has always been known for his humble, low-key lifestyle. He tends to keep his private life away from the media spotlight. Unlike many celebrities, Messi doesn’t indulge in extravagant displays of wealth, focusing instead on his family and football.
5. Charitable Efforts and Philanthropy
   Messi is actively involved in philanthropy through the Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007. The foundation focuses on providing healthcare, education, and sports opportunities for vulnerable children. Messi has also contributed to UNICEF, serving as a global goodwill ambassador since 2010.
6. Passions Outside of Football
   Beyond football, Messi enjoys simple pleasures like spending time with his family, playing video games, and enjoying Argentine cuisine. He is particularly fond of asado (Argentine barbecue), which is a staple meal in his homeland. Additionally, Messi is known to enjoy playing PlayStation with friends and teammates during downtime.

Saudi Arabia Tourism Deal

1. Saudi Arabia Tourism Contract (2021): In January 2021, Messi inked a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism. The agreement encompasses an annual vacation to the country, social media endorsements, active participation in an annual tourism ad campaign, and charitable endeavors. He stands to earn a substantial $25 million over the three-year period for fulfilling these commitments.
2. Conditionality: An interesting caveat is Messi’s agreement not to make any statements that could potentially ‘tarnish’ Saudi Arabia, adding a unique dimension to the deal.

Historic $1 Billion Contract with Saudi Pro League Team

1. He on the verge of signing a groundbreaking $1 billion contract with a Saudi Pro League team.
2. Speculated salary of $400 million per season eclipses Ronaldo’s $535 million deal with Al Nassr in 2022.

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