Lionel Messihas reportedly joined David Beckham in football’s billionaire club, and his move toInter Miaminow looks even smarter in hindsight.
According to Bloomberg, the Inter Miami captain has surpassed the $1bn mark after nearly three years in the United States with the MLS club.
What stands out is that Messi did not simply accept a late-career payday. He chose a project that offered not just a salary, but also commercial leverage and long-term business opportunities.
Messi could have used MLS as a final stop. Instead, his move now looks like one of the shrewdest business decisions of his career.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has said Messi earns around $70m to $80m per year when the full package is included.
That figure goes well beyond a standard playing wage. Messi’s move to MLS also came with Apple and Adidas-linked commercial deals, setting it apart from a typical player contract.
That is the key. Messi did not just join Inter Miami. He became part of the club’s growth story.
He has since extended his stay, with MLS confirming his contract runs through 2028.
Beckham’s presence makes Messi’s milestone even more significant.
David and Victoria Beckham were listed with a combined fortune of £1.185bn in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
Source: Drudge Report
