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Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson stand as towering figures in the realm of sports. Both of these names have amassed an extraordinary fortune through their unparalleled careers. With the impending clash between Messi’s Inter Miami and Magic Johnson-backed LAFC on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to delve into a captivating comparison of the net worths of these two sporting legends.

The Argentinian superstar will continue with his MLS chapter as he travels to Los Angeles for the very first time. Tata Martino will be looking to steal three points after dropping two against Nashville.

Lionel Messi: 2023 Net Worth

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Lionel Messi ranks among the most financially successful soccer players globally and has a net worth of $600 million. Although Cristiano Ronaldo recently surpassed him as the highest-earning athlete overall, Messi’s wealth primarily stems from his substantial salaries rather than endorsements.

For years, he has held the title of the highest-paid soccer player. He earned a substantial gross salary of $75 million during his time at PSG. Now that has been reduced to around $54 million with Inter Miami. However, it still makes him the top-earning athlete in the United States.
In addition to his salary, the latter has a contract with Inter Miami that includes a profit-sharing arrangement tied to Apple TV’s season passes and the sale of Adidas jerseys.

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Outside of his playing income, Messi has also accumulated wealth through several endorsement deals. His primary sponsor, Adidas, has a lifelong partnership with him. Moreover, despite rejecting a billion-dollar contract from one of the domestic sides of Saudi Arabia, the veteran receives $25 million each year from the Gulf country, thanks to his Saudi Tourism deal.

READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather vs Lionel Messi 2023 Net Worth Comparison: Who is Richer?

But how does Lionel Messi compare to Magic Johnson in terms of financial standing?

Magic Johnson: 2023 net worth

During his illustrious 29-year career in the NBA, Magic Johnson accumulated earnings amounting to $39.3 million. He signed a whopping 25-year contract worth $25 million. According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 2023, his net worth stood at a staggering $620 million. Beyond his playing days, Johnson continued to amass considerable wealth during his tenure as the head of basketball operations for the Lakers. In March 2012, he became a partial owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two years later, Johnson played a role in the acquisition of the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

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He also holds a co-ownership stake in the 2018 expansion MLS team, Los Angeles FC. Johnson’s sports portfolio further expanded in 2023 when he became a minority owner of the Washington Commanders in the NFL. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the world of sports, Magic Johnson is an astute entrepreneur.

He has invested in a diverse array of ventures, spanning real estate, coffee shops, record labels, movie theaters, and sporting goods stores. Particularly noteworthy is his partnership with Starbucks to establish stores in underserved urban areas. Altogether, his investment firm, Magic Johnson Enterprises, now boasts a diverse portfolio estimated to be worth around $1 billion across various industries.

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Hence, with a net worth of $620 million, Magic Johnson surpasses Lionel Messi’s $600 million net worth.