In his maiden visit to India, football great Lionel Messi received a valuable gift from Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani.
Indian media reported that he got the gift while he was at Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani. He also visited four major cities, including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The watch gifted by the Ambani scion to the Inter Miami star was the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition”, an exclusive timepiece limited to just 12 pieces worldwide.
The exclusive Richard Mille, owned by the likes of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher and former FIA president and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, costs around 10 crores INR — around $1.1 million.
NDTV reported that it was pointed out by observers that the footballer had arrived at the event in Vantara without the Richard Mille timepiece but was seen leaving with it on his wrist.
Messi, as per the MLS Players Association, receives a base annual salary of $12 million and Guaranteed Compensation of around $20.4 million.
Therefore, his monthly base salary is $1 million, and his monthly guaranteed earnings stand at $1.7 million. Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.
This is just one source of Messi’s income. He earns millions more from his endorsement deal with an athletic apparel and footwear corporation and a revenue-sharing agreement with league broadcast partner Apple.
