Barcelona star Lionel Messi has bagged an astounding £99.8 million (INR 8 billion approximately) in the previous year, making him the highest-paid sport star on the planet as per Forbes Magazine.
The Argentine footballer earlier helped Barcelona secure the La Liga title. However, his side also experienced defeat as they lost to Valencia and Liverpool in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, respectively, in a season which was full of ups and downs for the team.
Messi’s high wages and the brand sponsorship he receives have seen him edge past his rival Cristiano Ronaldo by nearly £15 million (INR 1 billion approximately).
Messi is only the second footballer after Ronaldo to top the rankings since they were initiated in 1990. It is the first time that three footballers have bagged the first three spots with Ronaldo and Neymar taking the second and third places, respectively.
Here is the list of Forbes highest paid athletes
Forbes highest paid athletes- Top 10
10. Kevin Durant
9. Stephen Curry
8. LeBron James
7. Aaron Rodgers
6. Russell Wilson
5. Roger Federer
4. Canelo Alvarez
3. Neymar
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
1. Lionel Messi