Summary of this article
Messi’s insurance excludes unofficial match injuries.
Playing in India risks uncovered injury losses.
Policy protects his massive career value.
Football legend Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India has left his fans thrilled. But despite the excitement of his visit, the Argentine footballer won’t be playing any matches during his India tour. This outcome is a result of his insurance policy, which protects his career and earnings; the terms of the insurance are set in a way that forbids him from playing in India during his trip.
Messi is in India on a promotional tour that is taking place in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. There are no official competitive matches scheduled during his short trip here. The part where his fans can’t witness his on-field skills is that his insurance does not extend if he takes part in unofficial matches and gets injured. This would result in an enormous financial fallout.
What Messi’s Insurance Covers
Top athletes like Messi take out highly specialised and specific insurance policies, which protect their value as players. Their ability to earn depends directly on their physical health. In this case, according to a report by Business Standard, Messi’s left foot is insured for €750 million, which is one of the most expensive insurances any celebrity player possesses. This figure alone makes him one of the highest insured sportsman.
The purpose of such an expensive insurance cover is quite straightforward: it compensates for Messi financially if he ever experiences a career-threatening injury that affects his ability to play for his club (Inter Miami in MLS) or the Argentina National Football Team. Insurers calculate this amount based on project earnings, match payouts, endorsements, and even commercial contracts; all of which are tied to his performance.
If any injury unfortunately ends his football career prematurely, the policy pays him the amount he would lose.
The catch in his insurance is that it does not cover the risks taken in unofficial or exhibition games. So, even if he wanted to, he can’t realistically play a full match anywhere, as it could be a trigger to an injury in a non-covered setting.
What Messi Gets from His Insurance Policy
Under his policy, Messi benefits from huge financial protection for career-ending injuries, security on guaranteed income streams, such as commercial deals, endorsements, and peace of mind while playing competitive matches.
These kinds of policies are tailored for top athletes at the peak of their career who still possess a command over massive commercial value.
This decision is not to snub fans; it is about protecting his career, worth hundreds of millions.
