Lionel Messi’s business empire is valued at about £830m and includes investments in football clubs, hotels, property and commercial partnerships, according to The Sun.
The 39-year-old World Cup winner has ended his Argentina career with a farewell match against Benin, about 21 years after making his international debut against Hungary in 2005.
Messi’s wealth has been built partly through lucrative contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He owns stakes in Spanish clubs Cornella and Eldense, as well as Uruguayan side LSM Sport. He also has the option to buy a stake in Inter Miami after he retires.
His longer-term plan includes creating and acquiring a network of clubs. Cornella, based in the suburbs of Barcelona, currently competes in Spain’s fifth tier and has previously developed players including Jordi Alba, David Raya and Keita Balde.
Eldense play in Spain’s second tier, while LSM Sport was co-founded by Messi and former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez in 2025. The Uruguayan club has since earned promotion to the country’s third tier.
Forbes estimated Messi’s net worth at $1.1bn, or about £830m, in June. His annual income is believed to be around $140m, combining football earnings with revenue from his business interests.
Messi also has a lifetime agreement with Adidas, reportedly worth about $1bn, equivalent to £755m.
He entered the hotel sector in 2017 when he bought the MiM Sitges hotel near Barcelona. His portfolio has since grown to six boutique hotels in destinations including Ibiza, Andorra and Mallorca.
The properties work with Majestic Hotel Group and are run by Melia Hotels International under its Melia Collection brand.
In Rosario, Messi’s home city, his family’s company oversees Carrasco M, a residential development of 24 homes beside the Parana River. The plots are being marketed by the estate agent who also represents Messi’s former Argentina team-mate Angel Di Maria.
Messi has further expanded his interests into the food and drinks industries. He invested in El Club de la Milanesa, an Argentine-style restaurant chain that plans to open five branches in Catalonia. The first is expected to be located in the Castelldefels area.
Drinkware company Stanley announced a multi-year partnership with Messi in 2024. As part of the arrangement, he will also advise the company on product designs and colour choices.
Reports say Messi’s commercial empire was initially established by his father, Jorge Messi, who died in August.