Cristiano Ronaldo earns $293 million per year on Al-Nassr, including bonus and fixed salary. Lionel Messi receives $28.3 million guaranteed in MLS from Inter Miami, as disclosed by the American League’s official salary guide. The difference between the two stars exceeds US$264 million annually, marking the largest salary disparity between them since they left Europa. Mesmo when added to Messi’s commercial agreements, which reach US$ 80 million per season, the Portuguese remains significantly ahead.
Renovação contractual Messi with Inter Miami
The Argentine striker signed a contract renewal on October 23, 2025, remaining at the pink club until December 31, 2028. Seu guaranteed salary in professional football is US$28.3 million, the value recorded in the official MLS document. The commercial figures, which vary between US$70 and US$80 million per season, come from bilateral sponsorships and image agreements with global brands associated with Inter Miami.
The contract represents financial stability for the player and demonstrates the franchise’s confidence in the continuity of Messi as the centerpiece of the technical project. Mesmo with these additional amounts, Messi’s total annual salary does not come close to the multiplied earnings that Ronaldo earns in Saudi football. The renewal consolidates its stay in MLS until the end of the decade.
Vínculo billionaire from Ronaldo on Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has extended its relationship with Al-Nassr until June 30, 2027. Seu’s annual package of US$293 million consolidates him as one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet, regardless of the sport. The amount includes a fixed salary and performance bonus, as recorded by the specialized platform Capology. Liga Saudita has invested massively in international reinforcements in recent years, and Ronaldo was the highlight of this strategy to globalize Arab football.
The contract represents a greater investment than that made by Messi in Inter Miami, even considering the Argentine’s commercial package. The financial proposal offered to the Portuguese international is unprecedented in contemporary football, significantly exceeding the values practiced by MLS in the contracts of its main stars.
Comparação breakdown of annual earnings
- Cristiano Ronaldo: US$293 million annually (Al-Nassr, salary + bonus)
- Lionel Messi: $28.3 million guaranteed (Inter Miami) plus up to $80 million in commercial deals
- Diferença gross: US$ 264 million in favor of the Portuguese
- Total from Messi with sponsorships: up to US$108.3 million annually
- Margem Advantage of Ronaldo: Approximately $184.7M Even with Messi Trade Agreements
The comparison shows that Saudi football offered an unprecedented proposal to the Portuguese international, much higher than the values practiced by MLS. Quando adds to Messi’s trading gains, bringing the annual total up to $108.3 million, Ronaldo remains ahead by a substantial margin. The numbers reflect Arábia Saudita’s aggressive investment strategy to attract big names in world football.
Trajetória rivalry and participation in Mundiais
Messi and Ronaldo competed in 23 direct derbies throughout their careers, consolidating one of the greatest rivalries in modern football. Ambos have confirmed participation in Copa of Mundo 2026, which will be played simultaneously in Estados Unidos, México and Canadá from June 11th. Será the sixth appearance in Mundiais for each, after competitions in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. The Argentine won Copa from the 2022 Mundo in Catar, while Ronaldo remains without a world title in his career. Essa dynamic keeps the comparison between the two alive, transcending strictly salary aspects and encompassing historical legacies in the sport.
