Not only is Lionel Messi a name known to football fans, his influence in popular culture is immense.
According to Forbes, the Argentine soccer superstar earned $130 million between May 2021 and May 2022. He even surpassed the world’s top basketball star LeBron James, rival Cristiano Ronaldo and his close brother Neymar in the list of the world’s highest-earning athletes in 2022.
Lionel Messi is considered the best football player of all time
Of course, with such a huge amount of money, Messi’s life filled with luxury will certainly overwhelm many fans.
According to Wealthy Gorilla’s estimates, the soccer superstar’s net worth is currently at $600 million. According to Forbes, Messi earns much more: $1.5 billion, both on and off the field. The magazine estimates that only three active athletes have earned over $1 billion, including LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods.
Messi’s super luxury mansion
Messi lives in a £7m mansion near Barca’s Camp Nou stadium, where fellow Barca star Ivan Rakitic is a neighbour. The mansion Messi and his family live in has a sea view, something that is not possible in Manchester, Paris or London.
The Argentine superstar’s villa has a small football pitch, swimming pool, gym and spacious playground for his children. In addition, Messi’s villa includes many bedrooms. The kitchen and living room are equipped with modern appliances.
This place is also in a no-fly zone. Javier Sachez-Prieto, President of Spanish airline Vueling, once shared: “You cannot fly over where Messi lives.”
Messi’s private jet with full luxury amenities
Messi’s other hobby is traveling around the world. To meet his frequent travel needs, the famous player bought a 2004 Gulfstream V private jet for $15 million. The plane includes two kitchens and bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 16 passengers. The tail of the plane is printed with the number 10 – his shirt number from when he played for FC Barcelona. On the steps leading to the plane, Messi printed the name of his wife, Antonella, and the names of his children: Mateo, Ciro, Thiego.
“The Goat’s” luxury car collection leaves many people overwhelmed
Like other football superstars such as Ronaldo, Bale or Aubameyang, the Barca striker also has a passion for speed. M10 owns many supercars worth around 3 million pounds.
Specifically, M10 has a Pagani Zonda worth £1.5 million. He also owns a GranTurismo S worth £100,000 and a GranTurismo MC Stradale in his garage. Messi also drove a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000.
Messi is known as a player who actively does charity work in the football world.
In addition to enjoying a life of luxury, Messi is also interested in charity. In 2007, the Lionel Messi Foundation was established in partnership with UNICEF, which helps vulnerable children around the world. In 2017, Messi donated his own money to help the foundation build classrooms for 1,600 children orphaned by the war in Syria. In 2019, the foundation donated $218,000 to provide food and water to people in Kenya.
“I am excited to be able to help children smile, feel hope and be happy. That is why I decided to create the Lionel Messi Foundation. I will continue to fight to bring happiness to children with my own strength and dedication as a football player,” Messi wrote on the foundation’s website.
