RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ (FOLHAPRESS) - A Forbes publication that calls Lionel Messi the "Princess of FIFA" sparked reactions on social media. The term is used by critics who accuse the Argentine of having benefited from the entity at decisive moments in his career.
Forbes calls Messi the 'Princess of FIFA' and cites criticism of the star
RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ (FOLHAPRESS) - A Forbes publication that calls Lionel Messi the "Princess of FIFA" sparked reactions on social media. The term is used by critics who accuse the Argentine of having benefited from the...
The magazine brings together in the publication the main arguments presented by fans who support the accusation that Messi had benefited from the entity, but does not claim that the player has received irregular treatment nor that FIFA (International Football Federation) has favored the player. The Argentine has not yet commented on the case.
The repercussions occur on the eve of the 2026 World Cup final. Messi is the centerpiece of the Argentine team, which faces Spain this Sunday (19) in the tournament's final.
The episode coincides with a recent projection by Forbes itself that the player has become a billionaire. According to the magazine, Messi has an estimated net worth of US$1.1 billion (around R$5.6 billion), driven mainly by the appreciation of his earnings throughout his career and his participation in Inter Miami, the club where he plays.
At 39 years old, the Argentine receives US$28.3 million (approximately R$144.9 million) per year in remuneration on the field, according to the MLS Players Association. In the last 12 months, his total earnings would have reached US$140 million (R$717 million), including advertisements and contracts with major brands.
The amount placed Messi in third place on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2026, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and golfer Tiger Woods.
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Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora
This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora. Visit the original publication for further details.
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