Lionel Messi signs $20 Million Deal with Digital Token Creator, Socios.com

The Argentinian football legend, Lionel Messi, has partnered with the digital fan token creator, Socios.com to act as its official brand ambassador. Messi has vowed to promote the digital experience community to his 400 million followers for the next three years as part of the $20 million deal.

The footballer’s move from Barcelona FC to Paris St-Germain last August included a payment of cryptocurrency as he will be involved in a publicity and promotion campaign for Socios in the build-up to the Qatar World Cup. Messi becomes the latest world-renowned athlete to enter the crypto space, following NFL quarterback Tom Brady and NBA superstar Lebron James.

“Since I played my first professional game, the passion of the fans has been a driving force that has helped inspire me to be my very best. Fans deserve to be recognized for their support. They deserve opportunities to influence the teams they love,” Messi said.

“Socios.com exists to enhance the fan experience, to enable fans to ‘be more. I’m proud to join Socios.com’s mission to create a more connected and rewarding future for fans around the world,” he added.

Socios currently has a user base of about 1.2 million as they sell virtual tokens that allow sports fans to vote on club matters. The company has signed partnership deals with several football clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, and Manchester City. Additionally, the company offers tokens for over 130 sports leagues.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, with an estimated net worth of $600 million after career earnings of over $1 billion. Last year, a contract leak showed that he was able to earn up to $165 million a year in salary, image rights, and incentives. It is thought that he has earned a combined total salary of $875 million over his two decades at FC Barcelona.

Furthermore, Forbes magazine estimates that he earned $130 million last year, second only to MMA star Conor McGregor.

Although football is Messi’s main source of income, he also profits from endorsing companies like Pepsi, Turkish Airlines, and Adidas. He also owns a clothing line that opened its first retail outlet in Barcelona last 2019.

Messi’s portfolio also includes several real estate investments, as he has a home in Barcelona’s Castelldefels suburb, two homes in Argentina, six properties in Italy, and a $32.6 million hotel in Sitges, Spain.

Source: The National News