Lionel Messi, a legendary footballer, joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, signing with Inter Miami CF following a remarkable career in Europe. He quickly made an impact, scoring a free-kick in his debut match and becoming the club’s leading goalscorer. Messi helped secure the Leagues Cup, further enhancing his legacy. With an impressive net worth of $600 million and noteworthy endorsements, his move to the U.S. is revitalizing soccer’s popularity. Theres much more to investigate about his expedition.
Early Life
Lionel Messi developed a passion for football at a young age, joining the local club Grandoli when he was just four years old.
By seven, he had moved to Newell’s Old Boys, where he displayed his talent by scoring nearly 500 goals and earned recognition as a prominent player on the youth team known as “The Machine of 87.”
However, at the age of 10, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, which necessitated vital therapy starting at age 11, playing a meaningful role in his physical development and future success in football.
This challenging circumstance led to his family’s relocation to Barcelona in February 2001 after he was accepted into the prestigious youth academy, La Masia.
Despite facing initial homesickness, Messi persevered to pursue his dream of a football career, laying the foundation for his extraordinary path in the sport.
Family Life
Lionel Messi’s family plays an essential role in his life and career. He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart, and together they have three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
The Messi family maintains a strong, close-knit bond, often participating in charitable activities through the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on providing education and healthcare for vulnerable children.
Throughout his career, Messi has relied on his family’s emotional support, especially during challenging times, illustrating the significance of their presence in his life.
Career
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF on July 15, 2023, after his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain.
He made an immediate impact by scoring a free-kick in his debut match against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
In a remarkable start, Messi became Inter Miami’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting nine goals in his initial six games.
His exceptional performance helped the team secure its first trophy, the Leagues Cup.
Furthermore, he was recognized as the MLS Most Valuable Player following the regular season, highlighting his considerable influence in Major League Soccer.
Net Worth
As of October 2023, Lionel Messi’s net worth stands at an impressive $600 million, primarily fueled by his $50 million annual salary from Inter Miami and an estimated $75 million from endorsements with brands like Adidas and Pepsi.
In his renowned career, Messi has earned notable salaries from top clubs, including $73 million during his final season at FC Barcelona, $92 million from Paris Saint-Germain in his initial season, and $65 million from FC Barcelona in 2018.
His investments, including real estate and a clothing line, further improve his financial portfolio.