Messi: the fortune for which he mocks Tom Brady, Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo

It is no news that Lionel Messi is one of the highest paid athletes in the world. But as much as we thought or learnt? No, it seems even a lot more than that. Why? Because some information was leaked on his contract with Barcelona. Apparently, it’s not just $35.6 million per year plus endorsements…

Spanish newspaper El Mundo has shocked the country with its cover for Sunday January 31 edition, claiming to publish lots of private information on the Argentinian’s contract with the club. The arrangement is set to conclude on June 30, with alleged negotiations going on to extend it.

The contract collects the player's income from fixed salary, image rights, bonuses, allowances and variables based on various individual and team sporting objectives. Needless to say it’s classified in the highest level for taxes to pay, plus medical healthcare. Image rights, which reach 80%, are limited to 15% of total income, according to both the Club’s Law and the financial fair play criteria of FIFA and the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation.

Then, how much do we talk about? No less than €555 million, which would convert into $671 million as per exchange rates. This consists in the four years of contract as per the last extension, signed for 2017-18 season, all the way up to date. That’s more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor's net worth together, and more than Tom Brady's too..