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While CR7 earns 39 million, that's Lionel Messi's salary at Inter Miami.

Ronaldo's Massive Payday vs. Messi's Inter Miami Salary

By Pablo Ordoñez

CR7 y Lionel Messi
CR7 y Lionel Messi

The financial landscape of global football continues to draw astonishing comparisons, particularly when examining the earnings of its two most iconic figures: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Recent figures highlight an extraordinary disparity in their current reported salaries, with Cristiano Ronaldo's monthly income at Al-Nassr projected to be nearly double Lionel Messi's entire annual salary with Inter Miami.

According to reports, Lionel Messi earns approximately $20 million a year with Inter Miami. This substantial figure positions him as one of the highest-paid athletes in Major League Soccer (MLS) and reflects his immense value to the league and his club, both on and off the pitch. Messi's arrival in MLS has had a transformative effect, boosting viewership, attendance, and commercial revenue for the league.

However, these figures appear modest when juxtaposed with the reported earnings of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar is expected to rake in approximately $39 million every month under his new contract terms. This staggering sum places him in an almost unparalleled financial tier within professional sports.

To put this into perspective, the difference is stark. In a mere four weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly double what Lionel Messi makes in an entire MLS season. This rapid accumulation of wealth for Ronaldo underscores the immense financial power of the Saudi Pro League and its determination to attract and retain the sport's biggest names.

Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in early 2023 was a landmark event, initiating a wave of high-profile transfers to the Saudi league. His current contract, which has seen revised figures reported, reflects Al-Nassr's continued commitment to him as both a player and a global ambassador. His presence has not only elevated the competitive level of the league but also significantly enhanced its international visibility and commercial appeal.

While both players command extraordinary salaries, the scale of Ronaldo's current deal highlights a new benchmark in player remuneration, particularly outside of traditional European football powerhouses. These figures offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving economics of global football, where different leagues are deploying diverse financial strategies to establish their presence and influence.

The comparison between Messi's and Ronaldo's earnings, while striking, does not diminish their respective impacts on their leagues and clubs. Both continue to be central figures in their teams' strategies and global marketing efforts, each contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport in their respective regions.


Pablo Ordoñez

Pablo Ordoñez

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