Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rank among highest-paid at World Cup

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi top the list of the highest-paid players, earning an estimated combined income of $440 million over the past year. Ronaldo leads with $300 million, while Messi follows at $140 million. Both players will appear in their sixth World Cup as their teams compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This year’s tournament marks several milestones, including the participation of 48 teams and unprecedented ticket prices, with some finale seats listed for nearly $2.3 million on FIFA's resale site.

• 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — The Highest-Paid Players At The 2026 World Cup