recession_wealth
3 months ago
The Crazy World of Lionel Messi's Business Moves
Have you ever wondered what makes Lionel Messi tick off the field? The story of Messi's business ventures is nothing short of fascinating, and it's packed with lessons that anyone can learn from. Buckle up as we dive into the whirlwind of Messi's business world and discover why it's not just about scoring goals on the pitch.
The Spark that Ignited Messi Mania
Picture this: On February 9th, Chinese authorities suddenly canceled two football matches Argentina was set to play in China. Why? Because Lionel Messi got injured and couldn't play. This caused a huge diplomatic uproar. Fans were furious, newspapers spun wild theories, and one lawmaker even declared that “the Hong Kong people hate Messi” and “he should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong.”
Why all this chaos over one man? Because Messi is more than just a footballer; he's a ticket-selling machine. His absence can cause riots. Since he joined Inter Miami, the club’s revenue has tripled. Apple gained 2 million new subscribers for its season pass. Adidas sold millions of pink shirts.
Messi's New Game Plan
So, what’s in it for Messi? Surprisingly, his salary at Inter Miami is half of what he earned at PSG. And he’s not playing in the Champions League anymore. Many might think he's in the MLS to retire, but Messi has bigger plans. He’s here to change the game, just like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.Lionel Messi is on his way to becoming a billionaire, with a clear strategy to make it happen. If this plan works, he could become the richest athlete ever.
The Jordan and LeBron Playbook
The United States is the land of opportunity, especially for superstar athletes. Look at Michael Jordan: his basketball career earnings are just a fraction of his net worth. Most of his wealth comes from smart investments like Jordan Brand, the Charlotte Hornets, and Draft Kings. LeBron James, still an active NBA player, has also reached billionaire status through ventures like SpringHill Entertainment and investments in Fenway Sports Group.These athletes are taking their big paychecks and turning them into even bigger fortunes by investing in what they know best—sports and related industries. Their close connections with top executives and brands give them an edge in making these deals.
The Power of Social Media and Big Paychecks
Athletes today have more control over their narratives thanks to social media. They can reach millions directly without relying on traditional media. This direct line to fans is a goldmine for endorsements and personal branding.Salaries in sports have also skyrocketed. When Jordan played, the average NBA salary was around $2 million. Today, it's $9.5 million, with stars like Steph Curry earning over $50 million per season. This financial muscle allows athletes to invest early in their careers, funding their own ventures without needing outside help.
Messi's Business Ventures
Messi's career earnings are projected to hit $1.6 billion by 2025, both on and off the pitch. At Inter Miami, he earns just over $20 million per year. On top of that, Apple pays him for every new subscription to their MLS coverage, and Adidas gives him a percentage of merchandise sales. His Adidas deal alone will bring him $25 million per year for life.Messi has tried his hand at several business ventures, with varying success. The Messi Store, a partnership with MGO Global, hasn’t hit it big yet, with annual sales of only $100,000 before his move to MLS. His hotels in Spain and Andorra are still operating but aren't game-changers. The Messi Experience Park in China, a $200 million project, is still in development years after it was supposed to open.
The Strategic Shift
Despite some setbacks, Messi's business journey is taking a new direction. He's partnered with Razmig Hovaghimian, a tech investor, to launch Playtime, a company managing Messi's investments. Playtime will focus on sports, media, and technology, with an initial $200 million fund.
Messi and Razmig Hovaghimian
It's cheaper and easier than ever to start a company today. If you need a website, you can use a platform like Shopify. Want to create your own mini-documentaries? Just start a YouTube channel. Need a page? You can create a page on MirrorLog, a fast-rising social media platform for anyone looking to create long and short-form content (like YouTube using text) and wants to make real money while creating and/or consuming content. You can make money on MirrorLog via ad revenue, contest shares, premium subscriptions, gifts, and more. Top athletes can use these tools for themselves, and they can also invest in one of the countless new ideas that are created using them.
Playtime has already invested in Matchday, a virtual collectible football card game, Momento, a platform for buying sports memorabilia, and BallerTV, a youth sports streaming service. Messi is betting on the changing landscape of sports consumption and the rise of technology.
The Road Ahead
Messi's move to the U.S. and the launch of Playtime show that he's thinking strategically. By embracing new media and technology, he aims to build a lasting legacy off the pitch. While he passed up a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, he sees greater long-term potential in the American market.Messi's business journey is just beginning. As he transitions from football legend to business mogul, he’s poised to leverage his fame and wealth in new and exciting ways. Who knows? In a few decades, Messi might not only be remembered as the greatest footballer but also one of the world's richest individuals.
So, what can you learn from Messi's journey? Think strategically, invest wisely, and always look for opportunities to leverage your strengths. Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or just someone with big dreams, there's a lesson in Messi's story for everyone.
Start thinking about how you can apply these insights to your own life. What steps can you take today to build a brighter future? Remember, the game isn’t over until you decide it is.
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