10 Highest Paid Athletes of All Time

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8. Lionel Messi

Total earnings adjusted for inflation (in millions): $1,140

Arguably the greatest footballer of all-time, Messi’s career came full circle after he led Argentina to a first World Cup in 36 years in Qatar in 2022. In early 2021, Messi’s contract with Barcelona was leaked. Worth 555 million euros, this is the biggest sporting contract in history. Now playing for the wealthy PSG, Messi is very likely to climb up further in this list depending on how long he plays.

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