The Evolution of Lionel Messiās Salary at Barcelona: From a Napkin Contract to an Investment Exceeding ā¬1 Billion

The Evolution of Lionel Messiās Salary at Barcelona: From a Napkin Contract to a Billion-Euro Investment
In September 2000, when his family couldnāt afford the costly treatment for his growth hormone deficiency, young Messiās future was about to change forever.
A Fateful Trial and a Napkin Contract
In September 2000, with no means to pay for his growth hormone deficiency therapy, Messiās father took him to Spain for a trial with FC Barcelona. Messiās extraordinary talent made an immediate impression, compelling the clubās director to hastily pen a transfer agreement on a simple napkin.
This dealāeffective from December 14, 2000, until 2004āsecured Messi a spot in Barcelonaās youth team at just 13 years old, with an annual net salary of ā¬60,000. Moreover, the club committed to covering all the expenses related to his growth hormone therapy.
The Professional Breakthrough
In 2004, Messiās rise took a major leap forward when he signed his first professional contract with Barcelona. The deal, spanning three years, offered him a net annual salary of approximately ā¬3 millionātotaling ā¬9 million over the duration of the contract. This period marked the beginning of a meteoric career that would see his value soar.
Climbing the Financial Ladder
As Messiās star continued to rise, so did his earnings:
2007: He renewed his contract with a net annual salary of ā¬7 million.
2008: His salary was raised to ā¬8.5 million per year.
2009ā2012: His net annual earnings climbed to ā¬10.5 million, accumulating ā¬31.5 million over three years.
Reaching the Pinnacle
Between 2012 and 2014, Messiās net annual salary surged to ā¬15.5 million, making him the highest-paid player in the world at that time.
Comparative Insights and Further Growth
From 2014 to 2017, Messiās net annual salary increased to ā¬22.8 million, allowing him to earn a total of ā¬68.4 million over three years. During this period, while his contemporariesāsuch as Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned around ā¬17 million net annuallyāwere subject to significant splits in their advertising revenue (with Ronaldoās image rights being divided 64:36 with Real Madrid), Messi uniquely retained 100% of his image rights.
The Final Chapter at Barcelona
In his final contract with Barcelona, covering the 2017ā2021 period, Messiās net annual earnings reached an impressive ā¬60 million, resulting in a total of ā¬240 million over four years. Summing up his career at Barcelonaāfrom his early days in the youth team with a ā¬60,000 annual salary to his top-tier contracts and signing bonusesāMessi amassed approximately ā¬529.16 million in net earnings. However, this figure represents his post-tax income; when accounting for Spainās heavy taxation, Barcelonaās total financial commitment to Messi exceeded ā¬1 billion.
Conclusion
Lionel Messiās journey at Barcelona is a remarkable tale of transformationāfrom a young boy whose future was secured by a napkin-signed deal to one of the highest-paid athletes in history. His career not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also underscores Barcelonaās unwavering belief in his potential, a commitment that turned a modest beginning into an investment of over a billion euros.
FAQ
How many years has Messi played for Barcelona?
How many years has Messi played for Barcelona? Lionel Messi’s 21-Year Career at Barcelona Lionel Messi’s journey at Barcelona spans 21 years, with numerous milestones and records that have shaped both his career and the club’s legacy. ā½2000, July 1: At the age of 13 years and 7 days, Messi joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, moving from Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys U19 team. ā½2003, November 16: Messi made his debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against FC Porto.
How many times has Barcelona won La Liga Titles?
How many times has Barcelona won La Liga Titles? Barcelona has won La Liga 27 times.
Where is the FC Barcelonaļ¼
Where is the FC Barcelonaļ¼ FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, is located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
How many times has Barcelona won La Liga Titles?
How many times has Barcelona won La Liga Titles? Barcelona has won La Liga 27 times.
Where is the FC Barcelonaļ¼
Where is the FC Barcelonaļ¼ FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, is located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
How many years has Messi played for Barcelona?
How many years has Messi played for Barcelona? Lionel Messi’s 21-Year Career at Barcelona Lionel Messi’s journey at Barcelona spans 21 years, with numerous milestones and records that have shaped both his career and the club’s legacy. ā½2000, July 1: At the age of 13 years and 7 days, Messi joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, moving from Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys U19 team. ā½2003, November 16: Messi made his debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against FC Porto.