Messi and Ronaldo: A Financial Rivalry Beyond the Pitch

For over a decade, the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has extended beyond goals and trophies; it now encompasses financial prowess and branding, marking one of the most intense competitions in modern sports history.

Beyond accolades like the Ballon d'Or and Champions League titles, both athletes have emerged as economic titans, vying for lucrative sponsorships, advertising contracts, and record-breaking salaries in a contest that transcends the football field.

Ronaldo Enters the Billionaire Ranks

In 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo reached a significant milestone, becoming the first football player to join the billionaire ranks, largely due to his substantial contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

A detailed evaluation of his assets and investments revealed that “CR7” amassed approximately $1.4 billion, marking his inaugural appearance on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a groundbreaking achievement in football.

Record Contracts in Europe

During their peak years in Europe, the salary competition between the two stars was fierce. Messi, while at Barcelona, signed landmark contracts, including his final deal, which exceeded 555 million euros over four years, making it the most lucrative in sports history.
Conversely, Ronaldo set financial records with Real Madrid and later Juventus, where his net salary surpassed 30 million euros annually in Serie A, establishing a new standard for elite athletes in Europe.

Ronaldo’s Move to Al Nassr: A Game Changer

Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr marked a transformative moment in football. Estimates indicate that his annual earnings, including commercial and marketing deals, amount to around $200 million, positioning him as the highest-paid athlete in team sports worldwide.
This transfer represented more than just a move; it was a strategic investment that reshaped the global football landscape and initiated a new financial era.

Messi's Strategic Partnerships

In contrast, Lionel Messi opted for a different approach by joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His base salary is estimated between $20 and $25 million annually, but this is not his primary income source.
Messi benefits from a revenue-sharing model with partners like Apple and Adidas, linking his earnings to the growth of television subscriptions and product sales, potentially elevating his income to $50 or $60 million annually, with further increases as the market expands.

Direct Income vs. Long-term Strategy

The contrasting approaches of the two stars highlight a clear philosophical divide:
Ronaldo relies on immediate and substantial income from a traditional sports contract, giving him an advantage in short-term financial returns.
Messi, on the other hand, focuses on a long-term strategy based on partnerships and collective growth, tying his success to the overall success of Major League Soccer.
The Billion-Dollar Rivalry Continues
Despite Ronaldo's current lead in direct income, Messi's venture in North America carries broader investment implications that could yield significant returns in the future.