Messi is paid up to $80 million a year by Inter Miami, Mas says

"The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive. I pay Messi—worth every penny—but it's $70 to $80 million a year. Across everything."

"Messi, 38, signed a new three-year contract at Inter Miami last year, keeping him at the most valuable Major League Soccer franchise into his 40s. He's expected to be a partial club owner when he stops playing given the structure of the agreements since he arrived in 2023."

"To help pay for one of the greatest players ever, along with his cast of older stars like Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Mas leans heavily on sponsorship and other commercial deals, representing about 55% of the club revenue. Media rights are just 2% of revenue for Inter Miami."

Lionel Messi receives $70-80 million yearly from Inter Miami CF when including equity rights and player compensation under his three-year contract signed last year. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar is expected to become a partial club owner upon retirement. Inter Miami, the most valuable MLS franchise, supports Messi and veteran players like Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul primarily through sponsorship and commercial deals comprising 55% of club revenue, while media rights contribute only 2%. Owner Jorge Mas, a Miami businessman who built his fortune through MasTec Inc., emphasizes that world-class sponsors are essential to afford elite players. Messi ranks as the second-highest paid soccer player globally after Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, Inter Miami secured a multiyear partnership with Brazilian fintech Nu Holdings Ltd., naming the new stadium Nu Stadium and featuring the company's logo on jerseys.

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