Forget Bollywood stars and billionaires — football legend Lionel Messi’s left foot is insured for a jaw-dropping $900 million, making it the most valuable body part on the planet. Viral comparisons to European football clubs have reignited the debate: can a single player really outvalue entire teams?
New Delhi: It isn’t a Bollywood star, a supermodel, or even the richest person on the planet. The world’s most expensive insured body part belongs to football legend Lionel Messi, whose iconic left foot is valued at an astonishing $900 million. From dazzling goals to record-breaking achievements, this foot has not only defined Messi’s career but also set a benchmark in sports insurance.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by fan account @TheMessiEmpire recently claimed that Messi’s magical left foot is “more valuable than several European football clubs”, including Ajax, AS Roma, Napoli, and Aston Villa. Fans shared images of Messi posing with a golden foot sculpture alongside his 2022 World Cup trophy, celebrating the extraordinary value of the foot that has defined a generation of football.
Messi’s Most Valuable Asset
At 38, Messi—now playing for Inter Miami—remains football’s most celebrated magician. With eight Ballon d’Or titles, over 800 career goals, and a World Cup crown, his left foot is not only symbolic but also one of the sport’s most valuable assets. Reports suggest the insurance policy dates back to his FC Barcelona era, where the club safeguarded its biggest star against potential injuries.
Industry sources confirm that Messi’s legs, with particular emphasis on his left foot, are insured for around €750 million ($900 million). This figure surpasses similar policies taken for Cristiano Ronaldo ($144 million) and David Beckham ($195 million), cementing Messi’s dominance even off the pitch.
“Messi’s left foot is not just a body part—it’s an icon of precision and creativity,” noted sports analyst Dipo Adesina . “The $900 million valuation reflects not just his ability on the field but the billions in commercial value he generates for clubs and leagues.”
Fact-Checking the Viral Post
While the viral post drew attention with dramatic comparisons, the reality is mixed. Using Forbes’ 2025 football club valuations, Messi’s insured foot does indeed surpass clubs like Ajax ($413 million) and AS Roma ($810 million). However, Newcastle United, backed by Saudi investment, now stands at $1.1 billion—well above Messi’s $900 million mark. Napoli’s valuation fluctuates between $471 million (Forbes) and $910 million (CNBC), meaning Messi’s left foot is worth more than some estimates but not others.
Here’s a quick snapshot of comparisons:
| Club | Viral Post Valuation | 2025 Forbes/Other Valuation | Messi’s $900M vs. Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | $600M | $1.1B | Lower ($900M < $1.1B) |
| AS Roma | $770M | $810M | Higher ($900M > $810M) |
| AFC Ajax | $740M | ~$413M (Forbes) | Higher ($900M > $413M) |
| SSC Napoli | $696M | $471M (Forbes) / $910M (CNBC) | Higher (vs. Forbes) / Lower (vs. CNBC) |
| Aston Villa | $574M | $900M | Equal ($900M = $900M) |
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This debate highlights a broader trend in football economics. In 2025, global soccer revenues hit record levels, with clubs like Real Madrid valued at over $6.7 billion. Yet, individual players like Messi still command valuations rivaling mid-tier clubs, underlining how superstar athletes can shape leagues and markets.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 alone boosted Major League Soccer’s visibility and revenues, with MLS teams now averaging valuations of $785 million.
Though Messi is nearing the twilight of his career, the $900 million figure continues to symbolize his unmatched impact. The viral hype may exaggerate, but the fact remains—Messi’s left foot has not only redefined football history but also become a benchmark in the business of sport.
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Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.