JUNE 24

On this date in 1987 (31 years ago), Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini was born.  He was born in Rosario, Argentina.  You never heard of him?

Messi, as most people know him, is currently, according to Forbes Magazine, the highest paid athlete in the world.  Leaders in the past 10 years have been Tiger Woods (golf), Christiano Ronaldo (soccer) and Floyd Mayweather (boxer).  Messi is a soccer star for his native Argentina's National Team and also for FC Barcelona in the European professional league.

Here is the list of top ten earners for 2019.

1. Messi will take in this year from salary, winnings, and endorsements $127 million.  
2. Christiano Ronaldo (Portugal soccer) will make about $109 million.
3. Neymar (Brazil soccer) will make about $105 million
4. Canelo Alvarez (Mexico boxer) will make about $94 million
5. Roger Federer (Swiss tennis) will make about $94 million
6. Russell Wilson (US football) will make about $90 million
7. Aaron Rodgers (US football) will make about $89 million
8. LeBron James (US basketball) will make about $89 million
9. Stephen Curry (US basketball) will make about $80 million
10. Kevin Durant (US basketball) will make about $65 million

Go practice, young men!