Lionel Messi’s Apple/MLS Promotion for 487,000,000 Fans Towers Over LeBron James’ ‘$851,000 Per Sponsored Post’ Reach

Advait Jajodia | 19/09/2023
Lionel Messi's Apple/MLS Promotion For 487,000,000 Fans Towers Over LeBron James' '$851,000 Per Sponsored Post' Reach

Lionel Messi has singlehandedly caused a soccer revolution in the United States of America. Ever since the Argentinian superstar parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain and made his way to Inter Miami, there has been a spike in the number of soccer fans in the nation. With a massive Instagram presence of 487,000,000 followers, Messi has even started promoting the MLS and Apple on his social media. Messi’s recent Instagram post has again brought into the spotlight how LeBron James earns $851,000 per sponsored Instagram post.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal had offered Lionel Messi a deal of a lifetime. According to several reports, the football club offered a whopping $1.5 billion to the GOAT. However, turning down the offer, Leo shocked everyone when he decided to represent Inter Miami in the MLS.

Representing the South Florida side, Messi’s earnings from his 2 ½ years’ worth of contracts will be anywhere between $120 million – $150 million ($50 million – $60 million per year). Additionally, the 2022 World Cup winner will also be compensated through individual revenue-sharing deals with Apple and Adidas (MLS’ partners).

LeBron James receives $851,000 per sponsored Instagram post

Lionel Messi recently posted on Instagram, promoting the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. According to Hooper HQ, the Inter Miami sensation is receiving $2,597,000 per sponsored post. Additionally, Messi will also benefit through his deals with Apple.

By virtue of having 158 million followers (the most among NBA players), LeBron James is also able to demand quite a hefty price for his sponsored Instagram posts. Reportedly, the Los Angeles Lakers megastar earns as much as $851,000 per sponsored post. To put it into perspective, LeBron’s per-game wage is approximately $580,000.

In terms of the NBA, LeBron is miles ahead of his competition. Stephen Curry is the second-most followed personality in the basketball world with 54.5 million followers. The Golden State Warriors superstar earns $288,000 per post, $563,000 less than the King. However, Lionel Messi still towers over James’ number by $1,746,000.

LeBron attended one of Lionel Messi’s matches

Ever since Lionel Messi made his way to the USA, several fans have started watching football. Over the past few months, some of the biggest celebrities in the nation have attended Inter Miami matches in order to catch Leo live in action.

About two months ago, LeBron James decided to put on an expensive fit to watch Messi lead the Miami side to a 2-1 victory against Cruz Azul. Before the game commenced, the GOATs of their respective sports were even seen hugging and sharing a few words with each other.

Post Edited By: Satagni Sikder
LeBron James Lionel Messi NBA

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Advait Jajodia

Advait Jajodia, an NBA and Tennis journalist for The SportsRush, has had a passion for both sports for over a decade. His admiration for Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Rafael Nadal pushed him to gain a profound understanding of the sports. With a background as a multi-sport athlete, Advait uses his experience on the hardwood and the court to offer insightful analysis. Over four years of dedicated sports journalism has equipped the 22-year-old with a unique perspective, reflected in his prolific portfolio of 4,700+ articles.

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