I just reviewed how Messi's wealth has evolved over the past decade, and the truth is that the growth is impressive. It went from around $280 million in 2016 to nearly $900 million projected for this year. Basically tripling his fortune in a decade.

What’s interesting is seeing where all that money comes from. It’s not just from football, although obviously his elite contracts were key. The sponsorship deals he closed, especially after winning the World Cup, were huge. Additionally, his commercial partnerships in Europe and the United States have earned him very lucrative payments. Those years 2021-2022 were a turning point, when his wealth jumped from $400 million to $600 million and then to $650 million.

What stands out the most is the consistency. From 2023 to now, Messi’s wealth has continued to grow steadily, reaching $800 million in 2024 and projecting $850-900 million by 2026. It’s not just a peak, it’s a clear trend. Clearly, besides being the best player of his generation, he knew how to monetize that like few others.