By Marta Elena Casanova
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At 38, Lionel Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. Superstar salary, billion-dollar sponsors, a global empire, and the eternal rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The final act of the genius
Lionel isn’t ready to leave the stage. As time passes for everyone else, he continues to defy it with the ease of someone who’s turned talent into resistance. He has renewed his deal with Inter Miami until 2028, when he will be 41, prolonging a career that’s already a living legend. In the United States — where football is business, spectacle, and pop culture — Messi embodies all three: a sporting icon and a global brand that moves millions.
A contract worth gold
Although the figures of his new contract haven’t been made public, it’s well known that the real treasure also lies off the pitch. Thanks to personal sponsors, partnerships with Apple TV, and a share of merchandising sales, Lionel earns more than 135 million dollars per year. Over his twenty-year career, he has already accumulated more than 1.6 billion dollars, with a current estimated net worth of around 850 million — placing him among the richest athletes in history.
The Messi empire: from hotels to billion-dollar sponsors
The planet’s most iconic number 10 is now a brand of his own. His lifetime deal with Adidas brings him over 20 million dollars a year, and his list of partners includes Pepsi, Gatorade, Budweiser, Mastercard, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. Off the pitch, Lionel manages a network of investments including the MiM Hotels chain, real estate ventures, and an image management holding listed on the Spanish stock exchange. He has turned sporting success into an impeccably tuned economic engine, without ever losing his modest, low-profile demeanor.
Ronaldo: the other half of the eternal duel
The rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo continues, even from afar. While the Portuguese star chose Saudi Arabia and astronomical salaries, Messi opted for the United States — an emerging market where image outweighs luxury. Two opposing philosophies: Ronaldo as the symbol of strength and discipline; Messi as the embodiment of art and balance. Yet after twenty years, the two still mirror each other — different paths toward the same immortality.
Goals, trophies, and records from another era
With Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 matches, winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues, and 7 Copa del Rey trophies. At Paris Saint-Germain, he added more silverware, and with Inter Miami, he has already claimed the 2023 Leagues Cup — the club’s first-ever trophy. With Argentina, he achieved ultimate glory: Copa América 2021 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In total: 46 official trophies, over 900 goals, and 8 Ballon d’Ors. Astonishing numbers.
The Messi effect on MLS
Messi’s arrival in Miami in 2023 transformed Major League Soccer. Jerseys sold out in hours, season ticket sales tripled, and Apple TV gained millions of new subscribers. David Beckham’s club saw its market value rise by 300% in less than two years. The so-called “Messi effect” turned MLS into a global league, proving that American soccer can be both profitable and captivating.
A legacy that defies time
Messi is the antithesis of the diva: he doesn’t shout, flaunt, or provoke. He plays, wins, and invests quietly. The extension with Inter Miami until 2028 isn’t just a contract — it’s a statement of longevity, a love letter to the game, and a sign of his intent to keep playing for Argentina through the 2026 World Cup. At 41, he’ll still be on the pitch, proving that talent can outlast any trend. In an era that consumes everything at the speed of social media, Messi remains a symbol of consistency, balance, and genius. As long as Messi is around, football will keep speaking the language of emotion.
By Marta Elena Casanova
