Messi Joins Ronaldo as Football Billionaire

Overview

• Bloomberg’s billionaire list, reported in late May 2026, estimates Lionel Messi’s net worth has topped US$1 billion, making him the second footballer to reach billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Forbes’ 2026 earnings list, published the same week, ranks Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest‑paid athlete with US$300 million and places Messi among the top earners with US$140 million.
• Bloomberg’s analysis credits Messi’s rise to more than US$700 million in salaries and bonuses since 2007 plus off‑field income from investments, TV revenue shares and his Inter Miami pay.
• Media reports in May 2026 say Messi has expanded direct investments, including reported control of Spanish club UE Cornellà and a property purchase via a company linked to him; those transactional reports cite EFE/Terra and have limited independent corroboration here.
• The twin lists illustrate a shift in elite football: players now diversify wealth through real estate, restaurants, media and club stakes, and the 2026 Forbes ranking also highlights changing commercial representation, with Vinícius Júnior the only Brazilian in the top 50.