When we talk about soccer stars, it's impossible not to mention Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They have achieved everything: titles, awards, records. And they are also two of the highest paid celebrities, with a very high net worth, salaries and release clasuses.
Since last week, Messi has been on the cover of all the newspapers as he has requested to leave Barcelona. Actually, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner wants to leave the club for free, but Barcelona won't let him unless they get some money. Manchester City seems to be Messi's next destination, but there are still many legal issues to be resolved.
Reports said some other clubs are interested in the Argentinean superstar, including PSG, Inter Milan and even some MLS teams, such as Inter Miami and New York City FC. But fans from around the world dream with seeing Messi and Ronaldo playing together at Juventus. Although it's unlikely to happen, we will still see how much it would cost Juventus to have two of the biggest stars in world soccer.
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Net Worth
Messi's net worth is believed to be around $400 Million as of 2020. As one of the best -if not the best- soccer players in the world, Messi has earned his net worth as the forward and captain of Barcelona and the Argentina national team. These figures are speculative, mainly because his commercial interests tend not to be widely publicised.
Ronaldo is also one of the richest athletes and best soccer players in the world. He currently plays for Juventus and the Portugal national team. As for 2020, his net worth is around $500 Million. These numbers were released by Celebrity Net Worth.
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Salary
This one is for Messi. The Argentine is the highest paid soccer player in the world. He signed a new contract with Barcelona in 2017 that pays a base salary of $80 Million, commiting himself with the Spanish club until 2021. He also earns around $40 Million from endorsements and sponsorship deals. Among his many sponsorship deals, the most significant are with Adidas, Pepsi, Gillette and Turkish Airlines.
Ronaldo's salary is also one of the highest in soccer. The Portuguese earns around $60 Million per year as a base salary, and rakes in more than $40 Million per year from endorsements and sponsorship deals. These numbers have been changing over the years. His most lucrative deal was with Nike, when he signed a $1 Billion "lifetime" deal, in 2016. He also sells various self-branded products.
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Release Clause
Soccer fans are wondering what team Messi will play for next season. Apparently, Manchester City would be his first choice. However, Messi has a release clause of €700 Million (around $833 Million), and even La Liga released a statement saying that he can only leave Barcelona if the release clause is paid. Of course, the club also can sell the player for less money. In fact, some reports said last week that the board is willing to sell him for $223 Million. Messi, on the other hand, wants to leave the club for free.
Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018 for €100 Million (around $119 Million), a deal not envilving the buyout fee. The Portuguese star, 35, is enjoying his last professional years at a competitive club and a release clause was not necessary in his contract. While he was playing for Real Madrid, it is reportedly that his clause was around $1 Billion.
