Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million each year from the club based in Florida, highlighting a significant financial gap compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current compensation. Mas explained to The Athletic the necessity of securing top-tier sponsors to meet these hefty payroll demands.
“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive.”
?Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-owner
“I pay Messi, worth every penny, but it’s $70m to $80m a year. Across everything.”
?Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-owner
How Messi’s Salary Compares with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Deal
Messi’s yearly pay, ranging from approximately £52 million to £60 million, is substantial yet pales in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s current agreement, signed in June last year and running through 2027, is valued at nearly £178 million annually, making it one of the most lucrative deals in professional sports history. This figure is roughly triple what Messi receives from Inter Miami.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo reportedly earns about £488,000 daily in base wages, before accounting for bonuses, commercial deals, and other perks, which could push his total earnings to over £492 million across his two-year contract. This stark difference underscores the widening financial divide between two of football’s most legendary figures.
Details of Messi’s Compensation Package at Inter Miami
Messi’s salary is made up of various components beyond his headline figure. According to the MLS Players’ Association, Messi receives a base salary of $12 million, supplemented by guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million that includes assorted bonuses. Additionally, his contract offers him a future ownership stake in Inter Miami, boosting the overall value of his arrangement.
In October, Messi agreed to extend his contract with Inter Miami for another three years, securing his stay until 2028. Since joining, the 38-year-old has had a remarkable impact, guiding the club to the 2025 MLS championship while scoring 29 goals to claim the Golden Boot. He remains the highest-paid player in the MLS by a significant margin.
The Ongoing Rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo
The salary gap is the latest development in one of sports’ most iconic rivalries. Between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, they have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with Messi holding eight and Ronaldo five. They have notably finished as the top two candidates for this prestigious honor on nine occasions.
Despite being in the latter stages of their careers at 38 and 41 years old respectively, both continue to compete at the highest international levels, representing Argentina and Portugal. With the FIFA World Cup upcoming this summer, Messi is set to lead Argentina once again, while Ronaldo will captain Portugal.
Since joining Al-Nassr in the 2022/23 season, Ronaldo has scored 121 goals in 137 appearances, maintaining impressive form despite his age.
Financial Impact and Future Prospects
The contrast in earnings between Messi and Ronaldo illuminates how football’s commercial landscape has evolved, particularly as players near the end of their careers. While Messi’s deal blends salary with ownership possibilities and bonuses, Ronaldo’s contract in Saudi Arabia represents a record-breaking financial commitment. These deals reflect not only their personal value but also the growing economic influence of leagues outside Europe.
For Inter Miami, securing Messi has transformed the club both on and off the field, propelling them to championship success and elevating the MLS’s global profile. As Messi prepares to continue his tenure in Miami through 2028, his presence is expected to attract further sponsorship and fan engagement.
