How Tom Brady and Lionel Messi Built $450M and $850M Fortunes: Inside Their Empire Beyond the Field

Few athletes have reached the financial heights of Lionel Messi and Tom Brady. Both legends have built massive fortunes that extend far beyond their playing careers.

As Messi prepares for what could be his final World Cup appearance and Brady transitions into NFL ownership, their net worths tell the story of two athletes who mastered the business side of sports.

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How Did Tom Brady Build His $450 Million Fortune?
Brady turned a sixth-round draft pick into the arguably greatest quarterback career in NFL history. Over 23 seasons, he earned more than $330 million in salary alone.

Starting with a rookie contract worth just $288,833 per year with New England, Brady signed 12 different deals throughout his career. His annual earnings ranged from $7 million to $25 million, with his final playing contract paying him $25 million per season with Tampa Bay.

Brady famously took pay cuts to help his teams build better rosters, but those sacrifices didn’t hurt his bottom line. His current net worth is estimated to be between $300 million and $450 million, ranking him among the wealthiest athletes worldwide.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion built his wealth through smart endorsement deals. His partnerships with Under Armour, Ugg, Aston Martin, T-Mobile, Subway, and Fanatics have generated at least $150 million in additional income.

Brady’s business ventures include TB12, his health and wellness company, and Brady Brand, his lifestyle clothing line. He also co-founded Autograph, a digital collectibles platform that launched in 2021.

His biggest payday comes from broadcasting. Fox Sports signed Brady to a 10-year, $375 million contract to serve as their lead NFL analyst. The deal averages $37.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster in history.

BREAKING: Tom Brady’s deal with Fox Sports is for 10 years & $375 MILLION 💰💰#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gTHYoKl8lo

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 10, 2022

Brady has diversified his investments across multiple sports. He owns stakes in Birmingham City FC, the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, and the Las Vegas Night Owls in Major League Pickleball. Most notably, he became a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.

These investments position Brady to profit from the continued growth of professional sports entertainment. His portfolio spans traditional sports, women’s athletics, and emerging leagues, including pickleball.

What Makes Lionel Messi Worth $850 Million?
Messi has earned more than $1.5 billion throughout his career, making him one of only a handful of athletes to surpass that threshold — his current net worth is estimated to be around $850 million.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner currently earns approximately $12 million per year in base salary from Inter Miami. However, his MLS contract includes unique revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV and Adidas that could significantly increase his annual earnings.

Messi’s lifetime deal with Adidas forms the foundation of his endorsement portfolio. The German sportswear giant has featured him as their global soccer ambassador since 2006, paying him an estimated $25 million annually.

His partnership with PepsiCo spans multiple brands and markets worldwide. Messi has appeared in campaigns for Pepsi, Lay’s, and Mastercard, earning millions from each relationship.

The Argentine star has expanded into luxury endorsements with Louis Vuitton, Jacob & Co. watches, and Hard Rock International hotels. His Apple partnership includes exclusive content deals and promotional appearances.

Messi owns equity in Inter Miami, making him one of the few active players with ownership stakes in their current team. He launched Más+, a sports drink brand, and operates the Lionel Messi Store, which sells branded merchandise.

His business interests extend to technology through partnerships with BYJU’s learning app and Socios, a blockchain-based fan engagement platform. These deals connect him to emerging markets in education and digital assets.

Unlike Brady’s post-retirement broadcasting deal, Messi continues earning at his peak while still playing. His 2023 move to MLS created new revenue opportunities in the American market while maintaining his global endorsement appeal.

Both athletes have built financial empires that will continue to generate income long after their playing days are over. Brady’s broadcasting career and ownership stakes provide steady returns, while Messi’s global brand continues expanding into new markets and industries.