Cristiano Ronaldo receives $293 million per year on Al-Nassr, including bonuses. Lionel Messi earns $28.3 million guaranteed in MLS from Inter Miami, according to the American League’s official salary guide. The difference between the two stars exceeds US$264 million annually, consolidating the biggest salary discrepancy between them since they left Europa.
Essa disparity gained prominence after Messi’s contract renewal with Inter Miami, made official on October 23, 2025. The contract extends until December 31, 2028, and includes a total package of US$70 to US$80 million per year when commercial agreements with sponsors are added. Mesmo with these additional values, the Portuguese player far surpasses the Argentine star when considering annual global earnings.
Detalhes from Messi contract with Inter Miami
The Argentine striker signed a contract renewal that keeps him at the pink club until the end of 2028. Seu guaranteed salary in professional football is US$28.3 million, a value that appears 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 and demonstrates the franchise’s confidence in the continuity of Messi as the centerpiece of the technical project. However, it does not equate the player to the multiplied earnings that Ronaldo earns annually in Saudi football.
Contrato Ronaldo billionaire in Saudi football
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. The contract represents a greater investment than that of Messi itself in Inter Miami, even considering the Argentine’s commercial package.
Comparação detailed salary
- Cristiano Ronaldo: US$293 million annually (Al-Nassr)
- Lionel Messi: $28.3M guaranteed (Inter Miami) + up to $80M in trade deals
- Diferença gross: US$ 264 million in favor of the Portuguese
Mesmo When Messi’s trading gains are added, bringing the annual total up to $108.3 million, Ronaldo remains ahead by a substantial margin. The comparison shows that Saudi football offered an unprecedented financial proposal to the Portuguese international, much higher than the values practiced by MLS in the contracts of its stars.
Histórico of rivalry and similar trajectory
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 participation in Mundiais for each, following 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.
