Which Billionaire Soccer Star Has the Higher Net Worth: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
There’s no disputing that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of soccer‘s all-time greats. What is disputed is which star is the GOAT today.
Ronaldo has broken countless records, and set unprecedented standards for athleticism and goal-scoring. He is also the game’s all-time top scorer, with over 970 career goals. He has won 35 major trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and domestic league titles in England, Spain, and Italy. However, Messi has one thing Ronaldo does not and that is a World Cup win.
According to English soccer legend Alan Shearer, that’s one reason Messi has the edge over CR7.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair, Shearer said, “Messi and Ronaldo are both amazing players, but I’ve always edged on the side of Messi. I really don’t like comparisons because they’re so different in terms of ability and attitude and how they’ve got to the top. It’s all very different. I’ll always edge for Messi though. You couldn’t have written that Messi script, scoring a hattrick in the first game. Argentina looked good.”
Shearer added, “Lionel Messi is staggering. He’s just incredible how he keeps going. He looks as good as ever and he’s got a team now who are prepared to do more running for the sake of him to try and get him on the ball. It’s fascinating watching him because everyone’s first thought is ‘Can I pass to Messi?’
“Everyone thinks about how to get the ball to him and rightly so. That left foot is deadly. I’ve ran out of superlatives to say about him. It’s staggering what he’s done and is still doing. I’d imagine the frustrations from Ronaldo the night before watching Messi score three and then him going out and not playing well at all, looking very frustrated. You can imagine what he’s feeling.”
But there is an area where Ronaldo has Messi beat hands down and that’s net worth.
Messi’s net worth
Lionel Messi has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion.
He has made roughly $1.8 billion in total career earnings (pre-tax) across his time at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and with the Argentine National Team. He earns about $70 million annually off the pitch as well and has a lifetime contract with Adidas.
Messi also has partnerships with major brands including Mastercard and PepsiCo, and investments in MiM Hotels chain across Europe, his sports hydration drink brand Mas+, and his production company 525 Rosario.
Ronaldo’s net worth
As impressive as Messi’s net worth is, it’s not as much as Ronaldo’s.
The Portuguese star is one of the wealthiest athletes not just in soccer, but in all of sports as he’s worth between $1.2 and $1.4 billion.
Ronaldo made history by becoming the first active team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings. He signed a historic contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr giving him an annual on-field salary and bonuses exceeding $235 million. His massive wealth has also been built through lucrative endorsements, including a lifetime deal with Nike, and several other successful business ventures.
