Inter Miami F LIONEL MESSI’s net worth has surpassed the $1B mark, putting him alongside long-time rival Al Nassr F CRISTIANO RONALDO among the world’s wealthiest athletes. Messi’s marketing machine in the early years of his career at times “struggled to match the heights of his on-field talent.” But more recently his business career “has flourished.” A massive pay check from current team Inter Miami, purported TV revenue-sharing deals, real estate holdings and even a stake in an Argentine restaurant chain have “all helped land him in the 10-figure club.” Messi has “relied heavily on his father,” JORGE, for much of his off-field dealings, turning to him as agent, business manager and adviser (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 5/22).
KEEPING IT CLOSE: Golfer AARON RAI will be “receiving plenty of offers now but will not be getting an agent,” maintaining a stance that sets him apart from his peers. He said, “It was always a conscious effort, even since the early years of turning professional, to try to keep things quite simple, to try to keep things in a close circle. And through the years, through different experiences, that’s something that feels like it’s continued to stay true for me” (London TIMES, 5/21).
AH, CURSES: Adventure Media has signed WWE star DANHAUSEN for management in all areas. Danhausen debuted in WWE in February and became a “top merchandise seller for WWE and has built a fan base.” He has made a name for “penchant for ‘cursing’ his adversaries,” including the Cavaliers during a recent appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” Danhausen also has shown up on ESPN’s “First Take.” Adventure Media will “focus on growing Danhausen’s IP in film, TV, digital, publishing and other business ventures” (DEADLINE, 5/21).
NAMES: Basketball HOFer NANCY LIEBERMAN has been named the winner of the 2026 Ice Cube Impact Award. The honor goes to people making contributions to their communities through basketball (Basketball HOF)....50 CENT has been named the halftime performer of the 2026 United Bowl, which will be held June 13 at Audi Field in D.C. (UFL).
IN MEMORY: AP tennis writer HOWARD FENDRICH died Thursday at 55 after being diagnosed with cancer in February. Fendrich worked at the AP for 33 years, during which time he covered every top player of the era, as well as around 70 Grand Slam tournaments (AP, 5/21).
