Ronaldo & Messi to Make World Cup History as First Billionaire Players — Ronaldo Leads by $100M

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first billionaire footballers in the tournament’s history. Forbes estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.2 billion, giving him a $100 million advantage over Messi’s $1.1 billion. Ronaldo’s fortune stems from a record-breaking Saudi Pro League contract and the global CR7 brand, which spans hotels, gyms, fashion and fragrance lines. Messi chose a lower salary at Inter Miami but negotiated revenue-sharing deals with league partners, equity stakes after retirement and a lifetime Adidas partnership to build long-term wealth. Both icons have transformed their on-pitch success into billion-dollar business empires. When they reunite in 2026, they won’t just be football legends — they’ll be history’s first World Cup billionaires.

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