Messi’s Money Milestone: Net Worth Surpasses India’s Seven Wealthiest Cricketers Combined

Lionel Messi is not just one of the greatest footballers of all time; he is also among the richest athletes the sporting world has ever seen. By 2025, Messi’s estimated net worth stands at around ₹7,055 crore, a figure that places him in a financial league of his own and underlines the massive commercial power of elite global football.

Beating Cricket’s Biggest Names

What has caught attention in India is how Messi’s wealth compares with the country’s most celebrated cricketers. The combined net worth of Ajay Jadeja, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is estimated at about ₹5,895 crore. Messi alone surpasses that total, a comparison that starkly highlights the difference in earning potential between the world’s most popular sport and even a cricket-crazy nation like India.

Multiple Revenue Streams Fuel His Fortune

Messi’s earnings flow from several high-value sources. His club contracts, first in Europe and now with Inter Miami, contribute significantly to his income. Added to this are match fees and bonuses for representing Argentina, along with lucrative endorsement deals with some of the world’s biggest global brands. Beyond the pitch, Messi has also made smart business and investment decisions that have steadily multiplied his wealth.

A Gap Even the BCCI Can’t Match

Perhaps the most striking comparison is that Messi’s personal fortune is nearly double that of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), widely regarded as the richest cricket board in the world. This underlines how football’s global reach translates into unprecedented commercial value for its biggest stars.

From Rosario to Global Supremacy

Messi’s journey makes his success even more remarkable. Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, he came from modest beginnings before conquering world football and, eventually, the business side of sport. His story is a powerful reminder that exceptional talent, combined with smart financial decisions, can redefine what success looks like in modern sports.