DOHA – The two are the hottest items, not only in sports but globally: Lionel Messi, an all-time great, and Kylian Mbappe, a rapidly emerging superstar with the world at his feet.
Whereas Messi guided Argentina to a third World Cup trophy in history, Mbappe netted a hattrick on the day as the entire World watched an epic final that attracted 88,966 spectators inside the magnificent Lusail Stadium, Polish referee – Szymon Marciniak in control.
All eyes were on the duo as they went head to head in the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, with Argentina becoming champions.
For Messi, the Sunday fixture was likely his last chance at such a stage, white-washing the previous occasions, including the 2014 tournament, which saw Argentina fall at the final hurdle against Germany.
Mbappe, seemed to be destined for a second World Cup at 23, having scored in the 2018 final to help France to a victory over Croatia.
Messi got almost everything he wanted. Two goals and a champion’s medal. He couldn’t quite manage a clean sweep after Mbappe scored the only second hat-trick ever in a World Cup final, but he probably wouldn’t trade his winner’s medal for the match ball and a Golden Boot.
However, while it was a heartbreak for Mbappe, the assurance as one of the highest-paid individuals in the world was a good consolation, although Messi is also included on the same list. Both players take home staggering wages from their shared club side, Paris Saint-Germain – PSG, in addition to obscene sponsorship deals.
But, while neither of them is particularly, strapped for cash, who is worth the most: Messi or Mbappe? Take a look.
How much do Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe earn a week?
Messi has been the highest-paid footballer in the world for years, having first burst onto the scene way back in 2004 and quickly becoming an all-time great, with many regarding him as the best player in history.
His sensational ability was rewarded handsomely during his time at FC Barcelona, with the Argentine star set to sign a deal worth approximately $1.33m per week in 2021, before he was forced to leave the club where he had spent his career after the Spanish side was unable to complete the deal due to La Liga financial rules. He then moved to French champions PSG, where he is reportedly paid around $0.85m per week.
However, if you thought this deal would have left the Ligue 1 side strapped for cash, you’d be wrong, as it handed out the biggest ever contract in football history to their other superstar, Kylian Mbappe, earlier this year.
Mbappe looked set to leave the club during the summer and had reportedly agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, but wound up staying in Paris and signing a massive contract which sees him reportedly earn around $1.2m per week in wages alone.
What is Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe’s net worth?
Kylian Mbappe’s net worth is thought to be a colossal $182m, with his earnings on and off the pitch taken into account. This figure is boosted by his sponsorship deals with brands including Nike, Panini and Dior.
However, despite his PSG teammate now being paid more than him per week, it is Messi who has the highest net worth, which is said to be a staggering $728m.
As well as his huge wage from the French champions, he also earns a significant amount through sponsors, having first signed a long-term deal with Adidas in 2006, while also representing Pepsi, Mastercard and Turkish Airlines and being the face of video games including Pro Evolution Soccer and Fifa.
Who are the highest-paid footballers in the world?
According to Forbes Magazine’s latest rankings, Mbappe is set to become the highest-paid footballer in the world for the first time, earning around $7.3m more than Messi during the 2022-23 season. This is due largely to his staggering $109m on-field earnings.
The top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world, according to Forbes:
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- Kylian Mbappé – 23 – Paris Saint-Germain – $127.3m ($109m on-field, $18.2m off-field)
- Lionel Messi – 35 – Paris Saint-Germain – $120m ($65.5m on-field, $54.5 off-field)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 37 – unattached – $99.5m ($40m on-field, $59.5 off-field)
- Neymar Jr – 30 – Paris Saint-Germain – $95m ($54m on-field, $41m off-field)
- Mohamed Salah – 30 – Liverpool – $53.3m ($35.1m on-field, $18.1m off-field)
- Erling Haaland – 22 – Manchester City – $38.8m ($35.1m on-field, $3.7m off-field)
- Robert Lewandowski – 34 – Barcelona – $35.1m ($26.6m on-field, $8.4m off-field)
- Eden Hazard – 31 – Real Madrid – $30.3m ($26.6m on-field, $3.6m off-field)
- Andrés Iniesta – 38 – Vissel Kobe – $30.3m ($25.4m on-field, $4.8m off-field)
- Kevin De Bruyne – 31 – Manchester City – $29.1m (25.5m on-filed, $3.6m off-field)
- Agencies
