Ronaldo’s $235m Saudi payday keeps him ahead of Messi despite Inter Miami millions
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer transformed both Inter Miami and the league’s international visibility. The Argentine superstar’s move to the United States also came with a financial structure that extends far beyond a traditional player salary.
According to ESPN FC, Inter Miami co owner Jorge Mas revealed that Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually through a combination of salary, sponsorship agreements and league related commercial deals.
Mas said Messi’s base salary is $12 million, while his guaranteed compensation reaches $20,446,667. The remainder of the income comes from commercial partnerships and league connected revenue streams tied to the eight time Ballon d’Or winner’s global appeal.
Messi’s revenue streams in Miami
According to reporting by ESPN FC, Messi’s earnings include a long standing endorsement agreement with Adidas. The Argentine forward also benefits from a revenue sharing arrangement connected to Apple, the broadcast partner of Major League Soccer.
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This structure allows Messi to receive income linked to MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV. As the league’s global audience grows, a portion of that growth is reflected in the financial package tied to Messi’s arrival in North America.
Messi’s commercial power has been a key factor behind the deal, reflecting the league’s strategy to capitalize on the worldwide attention generated by his move to Inter Miami.
Ronaldo’s massive Saudi contract
Even with Messi’s lucrative MLS deal, Cristiano Ronaldo still appears to lead football’s financial rankings.
Financial estimates from outlets such as Forbes place Ronaldo’s net worth at roughly $1.2 billion, compared with around $850 million for Messi.
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A major reason for that gap is Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. According to financial reporting from Sportico, the Portuguese forward earns a base salary of about €208 million per year, roughly $235 million, with bonuses that could add another €43 million annually.
The agreement runs through 2027 and is widely regarded as one of the most valuable contracts in the history of professional sport.
Ronaldo also generates significant income through his lifetime partnership with Nike as well as his CR7 branded businesses, which include fashion, hotels and fitness ventures.
Al Nassr pushing for Saudi Pro League title
While Ronaldo’s earnings remain unmatched in football, domestic trophies in Saudi Arabia have proved harder to secure.
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Since the Portuguese forward joined Al Nassr, the club has finished second, second and third in previous Saudi Pro League seasons.
According to current league standings reported by international sports outlets, Al Nassr now sits top of the Saudi Pro League table with 64 points from 25 matches and a goal difference of +47.
With several months still remaining in the season, the club is widely viewed as a strong contender to finally secure the league title during Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia.
Sources: ESPN FC
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