What is Lionel Messi’s net worth, what’s his salary and what sponsorship deals does he have?

LIONEL MESSI is one of the most recognisable faces in football, and is arguably the greatest ever player.

And at only 29-year-old, the Barcelona attacker could continue to dazzle stadiums throughout the world for years to come.

Here, we take a look at just how Messi is rewarded financially for his supreme skills on the pitch.

What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?

Messi is registered by Forbes as having a net worth of $280million - but he isn't the highest paid footballer in the world.

That award goes to arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Real Madrid man believed to be worth $320million.

Still, Messi certainly won't be unhappy with his finances.

In the 12months running until June this year, the Argentinian earned $53.4million in salary and bonuses, and an additional $28million in endorsements.

What salary is Messi paid by Barcelona?

Messi is believed to be paid around £560,000 A WEEK at Barcelona, making him comfortably their highest paid player.

But with Spanish tax rates at 52 per cent, this means he comes out with around £270,000. This is just less than Ronaldo's weekly earnings at Real Madrid, however.

Barca chiefs are worried as Messi, whose contract expires in 18 months, has not agreed to a new one yet.

Sunsport has revealed Messi is holding out for an incredible £800,000 A WEEK DEAL (before tax), and the delay has prompted other clubs around the world to sniff around.

How much is Messi paid by Adidas?

Messi's contract with Adidas is a lucrative one that also means he has some say in boot design too.

He is tied into a seven-year deal where he will pocket $140million, that's $20million a year.

That makes him the brand's highest earning athlete, second is basketball star Derrick Rose who is on $14million a year.

The biggest brand deal goes to Michael Jordan, despite him having retired from pro basketball at the end of the 2002/03 season. He is believed to earn £60million a year thanks to a share in revenue from the Nike Jordan shoe series.

What sponsorship deals does Lionel Messi have?

Around $8million in endorsements is pocketed by Messi thanks to his agreements with Pepsi, Dolce & Gabbana and Air Europa.

Interestingly, it is the new sponsorship his club Barcelona have acquired that could help them in their quest to keep him.

Rakuten are obviously keen in seeing one on of the world's finest footballers play in a shirt with their logo on. And they have agreed an $80million deal with Barca.

The club will probably use some of that in Messi's new contract offer.