Lionel Messi’s net worth isn’t just a tally of his earnings; it’s a measure of his massive fan engagement and influence. As we close out December 2023, Messi’s Instagram presence is a testament to his global reach. His account ranks as the third most-followed on the planet, boasting nearly half a billion followers — 495 million, to be exact. The only accounts eclipsing Messi’s staggering numbers are Instagram’s own, leading the pack with 665 million followers, and, notably, the only other individual ahead of Messi is none other than his famed rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a following of 615 million. Messi’s financial worth may be immense, but his ability to connect with fans worldwide proves just as invaluable.
Messi Net Worth: Ruling Instagram with the Most-Liked Post Ever
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo having more followers, it’s Messi who has won the battle of likes. His post following the 2022 Qatar World Cup final has amassed 75 million likes, becoming the most-liked post of all time. It easily surpassed the famous “egg” post, which held the record for nearly four years (1436 days) with 60 million likes.
Remarkably, out of the top 10 most-liked posts on Instagram, 5 are from Messi’s account. There’s also a post from Cristiano Ronaldo, featuring him playing chess with Messi in a Louis Vuitton advertisement. This effectively links 6 of the top 10 posts to Messi, showcasing the incredible interest and reach each of his posts has.
Here are the 10 most-liked posts ever on Instagram, as per Wikipedia:
| Rank | Account | Owner | Description | Likes (Millions) | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Photos with Argentina team, World Cup win | 75.7 | Dec 18, 2022 |
| 2 | @world_record_egg | Chris Godfrey | Photo of an egg | 60.2 | Jan 4, 2019 |
| 3 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | With Mate drink and World Cup Trophy | 54.7 | Dec 20, 2022 |
| 4 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | Playing chess with Messi, Louis Vuitton ad | 42.8 | Nov 19, 2022 |
| 5 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | On airplane with World Cup Trophy | 42.0 | Dec 19, 2022 |
| 6 | @jiangzhibin24 | Liz 6 | Reel of a sunset | 34.6 | Aug 5, 2023 |
| 7 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Celebrating World Cup win in Argentina | 34.4 | Dec 21, 2022 |
| 8 | @cristiano, @alnassr | Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr FC | Ronaldo joining Al Nassr FC | 34.4 | Dec 30, 2022 |
| 9 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | Post Portugal’s World Cup elimination | 34.2 | Dec 11, 2022 |
| 10 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Chess game with Ronaldo, Louis Vuitton ad | 32.9 | Nov 19, 2022 |
In a world dominated by American celebrities, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as the only non-Americans in the elite circle of the top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts. This remarkable feat showcases not just their global appeal in the world of football but also underscores their transcendent influence beyond the pitch. Their presence amid a list typically reserved for American musicians, actors, and media personalities speaks volumes about their unparalleled reach and the universal language of sports.
| Username | Owner | Brand Account | Followers (Millions) | Profession/Activity | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 664 | Social media platform | United States | ||
| @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | No | 615 | Footballer | Portugal |
| @leomessi | Lionel Messi | No | 495 | Footballer | Argentina |
| @selenagomez | Selena Gomez | No | 429 | Musician and actress | United States |
| @kyliejenner | Kylie Jenner | No | 399 | Media personality | United States |
| @therock | Dwayne Johnson | No | 395 | Actor and professional wrestler | United States |
| @arianagrande | Ariana Grande | No | 380 | Musician and actress | United States |
| @kimkardashian | Kim Kardashian | No | 364 | Media personality | United States |
| @beyonce | Beyoncé | No | 319 | Musician and actress | United States |
| @khloekardashian | Khloé Kardashian | No | 311 | Media personality | United States |
The Messi Inter Miami Phenomenon: Soaring Social Media Impact
The “Messi Inter Miami effect” is a remarkable social media phenomenon. Following the announcement of Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami, the club’s Instagram following skyrocketed. In just 24 hours in June 2023, it leaped from 900,000 to 4.5 million followers. By December, the count had soared to 15.5 million, surpassing even NBA heavyweights like the Chicago Bulls, who have 10 million followers. This staggering growth not only demonstrates his immense popularity but also proves Messi’s net worth extends far beyond the pitch, influencing social media and club branding on a massive scale. Read more about the “Messi Inter Miami effect” in our detailed post:
Similar to his impact at Inter Miami, Messi’s 2021 move to PSG also had a remarkable effect. The Ligue 1 club witnessed a swift increase in social media followers, adding 5.6 million in just a week. This boost contributed to an impressive total gain of 15 million followers, making PSG the top-followed French entity on Instagram. Moreover, Messi’s presence at Parc des Princes was financially lucrative, with PSG generating about $750 million in revenue within his first year with the team.
Cashing In: Messi’s Net Worth Skyrockets with $4.9M per Instagram Post
Lionel Messi isn’t just a football legend; he’s a social media goldmine. According to a Betting.com study, the 2022 World Cup champion is raking in an average of $4.9 million for every sponsored Instagram post. This incredible rate is set to bring him a whopping $206.6 million in 2023, with nearly weekly paid promotions. This staggering sum dwarfs the earnings of sports stars like LA Galaxy’s Chicharito at $62,500 per post, LeBron James with approximately $1.6 million per post, and Tom Brady at $147,000 per post. These figures highlight Messi’s unparalleled marketability and extraordinary value in the realm of social media, setting him leagues apart from his peers in both the football and wider sports world.
Messi vs Ronaldo: The Instagram Earnings Showdown
In the high-stakes world of social media earnings, Cristiano Ronaldo trails behind Lionel Messi, as reported by CNN. Ronaldo earns a substantial $3.23 million for each Instagram post, yet this figure falls $1.67 million short of Messi’s per-post revenue. This gap underscores the unparalleled social media influence and market power that Messi commands, setting a new bar in the digital branding arena.
Lionel Messi’s net worth, estimated at around $600 million, is significantly boosted by his Instagram revenue, which astonishingly accounts for about a third of it. This reveals the incredible influence and value of his social media presence in the context of his overall financial status.
Check out Messi’s recent promoted post to see the blend of his sports charisma and marketing finesse:
Messi’s Net Worth Boost: The Inter Miami Connection
Curious about how Messi’s contract with Inter Miami affects his net worth? Dive into our latest post for a comprehensive exploration of Messi’s contract with Inter Miami. We uncover the exceptional aspects and additional financial perks beyond Messi’s salary, revealing the depth and breadth of the deal that significantly impacts Messi’s net worth. This comprehensive analysis offers a deeper look into how this significant move impacts Messi’s financial landscape.
Lionel Messi’s net worth is indeed a testament to his extraordinary success both on and off the pitch. His ability to amass such wealth is not only a reflection of his unparalleled skills as a footballer but also his marketability and influence in the world of sports and beyond. His earnings from endorsements, contracts, and social media engagements highlight his status as one of the most lucrative and impactful athletes in the world.
Messi’s Net Worth Rises: A Comparison with Ronaldo’s Wealth
Wondering who’s wealthier between Messi and Ronaldo? Dive into our latest post, where we explore Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth, which has seen a significant boost following his move to Al Nassr. This comparison gives you an insight into the financial standings of these two football legends, each with their remarkable earnings and endorsements.