Two legends of world football can not help but create news around themselves. The whole world is watching and unwittingly compares the successes of Cristiano and Lionel. This time Ronaldo managed to beat the Argentine in earnings. Read more in our article.
The Story of the Battle of Earnings. What Happened
The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has long gone beyond the football field and embraced the financial arena. For more than a decade, they have both become not only top players but also some of the richest athletes in the world. However, in 2024, Ronaldo has significantly pulled ahead, as confirmed by a fresh Forbes ranking. The Portuguese has now earned almost twice as much as his long-time rival, Messi.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo has become the world's highest paid footballer, earning an impressive $285 million for the year. Much of that income - $220 million - came from his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. But his income doesn't end there. Cristiano also earns huge amounts through advertising contracts and business ventures, which earns him another $65 million.
While Messi continues to earn impressive sums, Ronaldo has made leaps and bounds thanks to his business skills and popularity on social media. He has over 900 million followers, making him not only an influential figure in football but also a powerful brand. If you bet on Mostbet, registration for which is available here https://mostbet-app-bd.net/, that Cristiano will win in the salary race, then we can congratulate you. It's high time to withdraw your honestly earned cash from Most bet.
In addition, Ronaldo is actively developing other areas of his business. His YouTube channel, ‘UR.Cristiano’, has become the fastest growing sports channel, amassing over a million subscribers and 544 million views. Such success only reinforces his status not only as a football star, but also as a successful entrepreneur.
Messi's Income: Second Place by a Wide Margin
Lionel Messi, despite his second place, continues to be one of the most influential and highest paid figures in the world of sport. In 2024, his total earnings totalled $135 million, well behind Cristiano Ronaldo's figures. However, this gap does not detract from his status and influence. Messi continues to successfully monetise his name both on and off the football pitch.
A Move to Inter Miami and a Salary in the US
The highlight of 2024 for Messi was his move to American club Inter Miami, which brought him huge attention in the US and raised interest in Major League Soccer (MLS). Although the American league is inferior to the European championships in terms of media exposure, Messi has become the face of a new era for football in North America. At Inter Miami, his salary is $60 million per year, a record amount for MLS.
His presence in the team has not only significantly increased match attendance, but has also influenced media and commercial activity around the league. The club has actively partnered with various brands and broadcasters, leveraging Messi's popularity to grow the MLS audience, making his transition not only sporting, but strategically important to the development of football in the United States.
Off-Player Income: Advertising Contracts and Business Ventures
In addition to his salary, Lionel Messi earns an impressive $75 million from his out-of-game contracts and business projects. He even surpasses Ronaldo in this aspect, thanks to his partnerships with brands such as:
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Adidas;
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Pepsi;
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Mastercard;
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Lays and other major companies.
Messi is the face of many advertising campaigns and his global recognisability makes him one of the most sought after athletes for various business partnerships.
His business empire includes not only advertising contracts, but also his own clothing lines, restaurants and investments in other projects.
Both Players' Legacies
As Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approach the end of their storied careers, their impact on football remains undeniable. The rivalry that began on the pitch has long since transcended it, spanning both commercial and cultural spheres. Both players don't just earn huge sums of money - they have changed the perception of what it means to be a football star.
Ronaldo's Influence: Records and Worldwide Popularity
With an income of $285 million in 2024, Ronaldo has not only surpassed all his peers financially, but he continues to be an icon in the sporting world. Even at the age of 39, he is successfully setting new records, demonstrating his incredible relevance. His move to the Saudi League has shown that a footballer's career can continue at the highest level outside of the top European championships.
In addition to his outstanding financial success, Ronaldo's influence is also felt on social media - his 900 million followers make him a true global star. This level of popularity helps him attract more and more contracts, turning him into a powerful brand that exists outside of football.
Messi's Influence: a Global Icon and the Engine of Football's Growth in the US
Lionel Messi, despite lagging behind Ronaldo in terms of income, remains one of the most influential and successful athletes in the world. His move to Inter Miami has brought a huge amount of attention to MLS, which has fuelled the growth of football in the US. Messi is not just a player, but a symbol of the new wave of popularity of football in North America.
For the Last Time
Although Ronaldo now leads the financial race, their rivalry with Messi is far from over. Both players continue to set the tone not only on the football pitch, but also in the business world. Messi is second in overall earnings, but his influence in the US and his commercial activity puts him in a unique position where he can continue to earn huge sums even as his sporting career nears its end.