Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic footballers in history, made headlines in 2023 with his move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Fans across the globe are curious about Messi’s salary at his new club, and in Nigeria, many wonder: “How much is Messi’s salary in Naira?”
In this article, we’ll break down Messi’s salary in both dollars and Nigerian Naira, using the current exchange rate of ₦1655 per $1 as of 2024, and explore how his income compares to other top footballers.
Messi’s Current Salary: A Breakdown
In July 2023, Messi signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, earning a reported $54 million annually as his base salary. This figure excludes performance bonuses, endorsement deals, and other income sources, which significantly boost his total earnings.
Using the exchange rate of ₦1655 per $1, let’s calculate Messi’s salary in Naira.
Messi’s Salary in Naira
- Annual Salary in Naira
$54 million x ₦1655 = ₦89.37 billion per year. - Monthly Salary in Naira
₦89.37 billion ÷ 12 months = ₦7.45 billion per month. - Weekly Salary in Naira
₦89.37 billion ÷ 52 weeks = ₦1.72 billion per week.
These figures represent Messi’s base salary at Inter Miami. However, Messi earns significantly more when we factor in his endorsements and bonuses.
Additional Revenue Streams: Endorsements and Bonuses
In addition to his base salary, Messi is involved in numerous lucrative endorsement deals with some of the biggest brands in the world. These partnerships contribute significantly to his overall income.
Messi’s Key Endorsements
- Adidas: Messi’s lifetime deal with Adidas is a major contributor to his annual earnings.
- Pepsi, Budweiser, and Mastercard: Messi has multi-year contracts with these global brands, earning millions from each.
- Gatorade and other sponsorships also add to his annual earnings.
Total Endorsements
Messi’s endorsements alone bring in approximately $50 million annually. When added to his salary, his total annual earnings reach $104 million.
Performance Bonuses
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami includes performance bonuses tied to his achievements in competitions such as the MLS playoffs and other tournaments. Although exact figures are undisclosed, these bonuses are estimated to further increase his total annual income by several million dollars.
Total Estimated Earnings in Naira
With his salary and endorsements combined, Messi’s total estimated earnings for 2024 could reach $104 million. Here’s how much that is in Naira:
- Annual Earnings in Naira:
$104 million x ₦1655 = ₦172.12 billion per year. - Monthly Earnings in Naira:
₦172.12 billion ÷ 12 months = ₦14.34 billion per month. - Weekly Earnings in Naira:
₦172.12 billion ÷ 52 weeks = ₦3.31 billion per week.
Comparing Messi’s Salary to Other Footballers
Messi’s earnings place him among the highest-paid athletes globally. However, how does he compare to other top footballers?
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is reported to earn $200 million per year, which translates to approximately ₦331 billion annually.
- Neymar Jr.: Neymar, now playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, earns $100 million per year, which is about ₦165.5 billion annually.
Although Messi’s salary is slightly lower than Ronaldo’s or Neymar’s, his total earnings, bolstered by his numerous endorsements, keep him competitive with other top footballers globally.
Messi’s Financial Impact Beyond Salary
Messi’s move to Inter Miami has had a massive impact not just on his personal earnings but also on the global football economy. Ticket sales for Inter Miami games have skyrocketed, and merchandise sales have surged. Messi’s influence extends far beyond his salary, affecting the financial landscape of every club and league he plays in.
For instance, since Messi’s arrival in MLS, Inter Miami’s valuation has increased dramatically, and his jersey has become one of the best-selling in the world.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s salary at Inter Miami is ₦89.37 billion annually based on his base salary alone, and when we include his endorsements and bonuses, his total earnings could reach ₦172.12 billion per year. This makes Messi not only one of the most talented players in football history but also one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s incredible income in Naira emphasizes his stature in the world of football. As he continues to dominate the sport, Messi’s financial and sporting legacy will remain unrivaled.
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