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Messi joined the billionaire boys club thanks to endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, a hotel and clothing label | The US Sun
![From Conor McGregor to Cristiano Ronaldo, these are 2021's top paid athletes in the world – how did they each make over US$100 million in the past year and who's the richest? From Conor McGregor to Cristiano Ronaldo, these are 2021's top paid athletes in the world – how did they each make over US$100 million in the past year and who's the richest?](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1098,format=auto/sites/default/files/styles/1200x800/public/d8/images/canvas/2021/06/16/ff81a463-6946-4c56-9f5a-ec885a487b17_19c7f3f5.jpg?itok=kKiZPmQq&v=1623834677)
From Conor McGregor to Cristiano Ronaldo, these are 2021's top paid athletes in the world – how did they each make over US$100 million in the past year and who's the richest?
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How Lionel Messi became a billionaire: Argentine star nets £98m a year with current Barcelona deal | Daily Mail Online
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Lionel Messi wore Nike boots in unearthed photos before inking Adidas 'billionaire' deal - Daily Star
![Adidas issues Lionel Messi statement after it was reported that Nike were happier to keep Cristiano Ronaldo Adidas issues Lionel Messi statement after it was reported that Nike were happier to keep Cristiano Ronaldo](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/10/b8646-16661586035804-1920.jpg)
Adidas issues Lionel Messi statement after it was reported that Nike were happier to keep Cristiano Ronaldo
![Lionel Messi wore Nike boots in unearthed photos before inking Adidas 'billionaire' deal - Daily Star Lionel Messi wore Nike boots in unearthed photos before inking Adidas 'billionaire' deal - Daily Star](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article27303908.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Messi-Barcelone.jpg)