Lionel Messi added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career by becoming only the third footballer in history to make 200 international appearances for his country. The Argentina captain reached the milestone during his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday (IST).The historic appearance places Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa among the most-capped international footballers in the sport's history.Lionel Messi Net WorthAccording to Forbes, Lionel Messi's net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, making him one of only four active athletes to cross the billionaire mark. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has amassed his fortune through playing contracts, endorsements, investments and business ventures during a career spanning more than two decades.Messi's total career earnings are estimated at around $1.8 billion. Of this, approximately $1.2 billion has come from football contracts, while endorsements and business ventures have contributed an estimated $600 million. He has consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid athletes and topped Forbes' list in both 2019 and 2022.Inter Miami contract and salaryMessi currently plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS). His latest contract, signed in 2026, carries a base salary of $25 million and a cap hit of $28.3 million for the current season. The Argentine superstar is contracted with the club until 2029.Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that Messi's overall compensation package, including commercial agreements, could be worth between $70 million and $80 million annually.Messi's endorsements and business venturesA significant portion of Messi's wealth comes from endorsement deals with global brands including Adidas, Budweiser, Pepsi, Gatorade, Hard Rock Cafe, Konami, Jacob & Co., Lay's and Dubai Expo. He signed a lifetime partnership with Adidas in 2017, one of the most lucrative sponsorship agreements in sports.Beyond football, Messi has expanded his portfolio through investments and businesses such as MiM Hotels, The Messi Store, 525 Rosario Media Company and Play Time Sports-Tech Investment Firm. He also holds a stake in the El Club de la Milanesa restaurant chain and launched the Mas+ by Messi energy drink in 2024.Messi's Real estate and investmentsDuring the MLS season, Messi lives in a waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale valued at around $10.5 million. He also has an option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami after retirement, potentially allowing him to benefit from the club's rapid rise in valuation since his arrival in 2023.From Barcelona prodigy to billionaire athleteMessi's journey began when FC Barcelona signed him to its famed academy at the age of 13. He made his senior debut in 2004 and quickly emerged as one of football's greatest players.Over the course of his career, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and two Ligue 1 titles. His crowning achievement came with Argentina's FIFA World Cup triumph, further cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.Today, Messi joins an exclusive group of active billionaire athletes that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Tiger Woods, underscoring both his sporting success and business acumen.