Is Messi's contract 674 million?

Messi’s $674 Million Deal: Myth or Reality?

There’s been a lot of buzz online claiming that Lionel Messi’s contract with FC Barcelona was worth a staggering $674 million. While that number has been widely shared, the truth is a bit more nuanced. The figure isn’t entirely false—but it’s not the full picture either.

Back in 2017, Messi did sign a historic contract extension with Barcelona that, when factoring in salary, bonuses, and tax implications over four years, amounted to roughly $674 million in total compensation. That makes it one of the most valuable player contracts in sports history. However, this sum includes not just his base salary, but also image rights, performance incentives, and clauses related to tax treatment in Spain—a key detail often left out in headlines.

It’s important to note: Messi has not been with FC Barcelona since 2021. Due to financial and structural issues at the club, he left and joined Paris Saint-Germain, and later moved to Inter Miami in 2023. So while the $674 million deal was real at the time, it’s no longer active.

Still, the contract remains a testament to Messi’s unparalleled status in football. It reflected not just his on-field genius, but also his immense commercial value to the club. No other player has commanded such comprehensive financial terms while playing for a single European team.

In the end, the $674 million figure is accurate in context—but it’s not a current deal. It’s a landmark moment in football history, highlighting the peak of Messi’s relationship with Barcelona before his emotional departure. As with many things in sports, the reality is more layered than the headline suggests.