Lionel Messi vs David Beckham: 2023 Net Worth and Lifetime Salary Earnings Comparison

MLS will see a blockbuster Lionel Messi signing. It will be a game-changer for the league and US soccer. But is Messi the first game-changing signing for MLS? The answer is no. Before Messi, the signing of David Beckham proved enormous for the league. And now, the two most influential players will join hands in Miami.

Inter Miami is the talk of the town after Messi’s announcement. Miami club trumped MLS, NFL, and MLB teams in its social media following, and experts estimate the club will soon reach a billion-dollar valuation. Now that Messi will join Beckham’s club, it’s time to look at their net worth and lifetime earnings as of 2023.

Net worth comparison

David Beckham: As of 2023, Beckham’s net worth stands at $450 million. However, according to Celebrity Net Worth, it is the combined worth of David and Victoria Beckham. Beckham made his professional debut in soccer at 17. The former England international played for gigantic clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and PSG throughout his career. He was one of the highest earners before his retirement in 2013.

Lionel Messi: Messi trumps Beckham in the net worth. As of 2023, the Argentine’s net worth is $600 million. He is yet to retire and can keep adding to it. If we consider only salary, Messi was the highest earner for several years. He also had several endorsements, but his salary trumped almost every soccer star for years, especially in his Barcelona days. 

Lionel Messi vs David Beckham: Lifetime earnings

When it comes to lifetime earnings, Lionel Messi again trumps David Beckham. As per Sportico, Messi’s lifetime earnings are $1.22 billion. If adjusted for inflation, they stand at $1.48 billion. On the other hand, Beckham’s lifetime earnings are $965 million ($1.28 billion if adjusted for inflation).

Both players are in the top three for lifetime earnings for a soccer player, with Cristiano Ronaldo taking the top spot ($1.29 billion). Beckham and Messi, as previously mentioned, made the majority of their earnings through salaries. They also had several endorsements. Beckham represented Pepsi, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Vodafone, Gillette, and others during his career and now co-owns Inter Miami and Salford City FC soccer clubs.

READ MORE: With David Beckham’s Billion-Dollar Project in Place, Lionel Messi Could Make His Inter Miami Debut at $4.6 Billion NFL Side’s Home Ground

The reports also state United legend signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Qatar as ambassador ahead of the World Cup. On the other hand, Messi also has several endorsements, with Adidas being the most significant one. He is linked with the brand since 2006. Of his $1.22 billion lifetime earnings, he earned approximately$900 million from his salary throughout his career. 

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Now the Argentine is ready to add to his earnings with a blockbuster Inter Miami move, where Beckham’s club will pay him $54 million a year. It will be interesting to see the details of Messi’s contract with MLS clubs. The duo has achieved incredible success in the field. And their net worth and enormous lifetime earnings are a testament to their success.