Leo Messi is named the second-richest athlete in the world in 2020 by Forbes.
The Argentine made $130m in the past year, the source notes.
Famous mixed martial artist Conor McGregor tops the rankings with $180m while Cristiano Ronaldo completes the top 3 with $120m.
Top 10
- 1. Conor McGregor (martial arts) - $180m
- 2. Lionel Messi - $130m
- 3. Cristiano Ronaldo - $120m
- 4. Dak Prescott (American football) - $107.5m
- 5. LeBron James (basketball) - $96.5m
- 6. Neymar - $95m
- 7. Roger Federer (tennis) - $90m
- 8. Lewis Hamilton (F1 racing) - $82m
- 9. Tom Brady (American football) - $76m
- 10. Kevin Durant (basketball) - $75m
RELATED NEWS
Barca offer Messi to cut his salary in half, Leo to respond only after season's end: Mundo Deportivo
Barcelona's current offer to Leo Messi would have the player earn half of his yearly salary for the next two seasons, Mundo Deportivo report. Then, with the Argentine moving to the USA, he would serve as Barca's ambassador for three seasons and get paid the remaining part of his wages.
Joan Laporta's reported plan is to tie Messi down to a lifetime contract that would keep him linked to the club even after his Camp Nou departure. Leo's role after the USA stint hasn't been discussed, the source adds.
Finally, it's claimed that the 33-year-old will respond to the offer only after the La Liga season ends. This is beneficial to the club as there's currently an audit going on at Barca.
Messi's contract with Blaugrana expires at the end of the season. According to a recent report from Diario Sport, the captain is 'closer than ever' to staying at the club.
Barca open renewal talks with Messi, 1st offer 'welcomed' by Leo's camp: Sport
Barcelona have opened renewal negotiations with Lionel Messi, according to Lluis Mascaro of Diario Sport - not the most reliable Spanish source.
Joan Laporta and Messi's father Jorge have met recently to 'define' Leo's new deal with the current contract due to expire on June 30.
Laporta's first offer has been 'welcomed' by Messi's camp as the Barca president wants to tie the 33-year-old down on a life-long contract, beyond his playing career.
As the first step has been taken, Messi is said to be 'closer than ever to staying' at Camp Nou.
The Argentina international, however, remains concerned about Barca's on-the-pitch project for the next few years as he's eager to win the Champions League again before retiring from football.
Even though Laporta, Lionel and Jorge are 'on the same page' now, Barca's final offer will depend on the ongoing audit of the club's financial position.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, are keeping close tabs on the 33-year-old's contract situation with a view of signing the six-time Ballon d'Or winner on a free transfer if he doesn't renew with the Blaugrana.
