Lionel Messi claims number 1 man on Forbes’ 2019 list of the World’s 100 highest-paid Athletes

Forbes yesterday released its annual ranking of the World’s 100 Highest-Paid athletes, who collectively earned $4 billion over the last 12 months, up 5% from last year’s earnings of $3.8 billion.

Lionel Messi was named the world’s highest-paid athlete for the first time, up from second place last year, with 7 million in total earnings.

Messi unseats Floyd Mayweather, who held the crown last year, and was the leader four times in seven years.

Behind Messi is longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo (No. 2), who earned 9 million between his salary and endorsements.