Canelo Alvarez has brought boxing glory beyond the ring by surpassing soccer icon Lionel Messi in earnings for 2026. With Canelo raking in an impressive $137 million, he now stands as the world's second highest-paid athlete, while Lionel Messi tallied at $130 million.
Back on the canvas, Canelo faced off against Terence Crawford but didn't snag a win that year. Yet, his financial prowess shows that success doesn't always ride solely on victories. Meanwhile, Argentine football sensation Lionel Messi, despite his massive income and formidable skills on the pitch for PSG, comes in third.
The economic rankings of athletes were reported by Sportico, a specialized consultancy that delves into the intricate dynamics of sports finance.
Both legends had contrasting off-field and outside-the-ring stories that influenced their career choices as well. For instance, Anmar Al-Haili, president of Al-Ittihad, approached Messi with an astonishing offer of €1.4 billion for a 3.5-season stint. Despite how tempting such figures might be, Messi chose family over finances. Al-Haili reminisced,
"Yes, I contacted him before when his contract with PSG ended. I offered him 1.4 billion euros... He rejected such a large offer for the sake of his family..."For Messi's fans, it's another testament to the player's core values and decision-making focused on personal priorities instead of purely monetary gains.
In conclusion, both Canelo Alvarez and Lionel Messi have proven their prowess not just through sport but also through financial acumen and personal integrity. Looking ahead, these stars will surely continue to draw eyes both on their respective stages and in broader discussions about what matters most beyond fame and fortune.
