Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the best-paid footballer in the world having picked up $43.8 million in the last year, according to America's Sports Illustrated 'Fortunate 50' list.

The Argentine, who is widely acknowledged as the greatest player on the planet, came out above Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the list, who earned 27.1m euros and 23m euros respectively.



The 'Fortunate 50' takes into account the earnings, endorsements, bonuses and appearance fees of leading sports stars.

Tiger Woods is leading the way ufffd earning a staggering 46mu00a0 euros last year, though that was down 20m euros on his previous year's earnings.

Despite being the highest earning footballer, the Camp Nou superstar only came seventh on the overall sporting list, behind the likes of Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who is a Real Madrid supporter himself.

Footballs top earners' list:

1: lionel Messiu00a0- $43,800,000
2: C Ronaldou00a0- $38,800,000
3: Wayne Rooneyu00a0- $29,200,000
4: Kakau00a0- $27,300,000
5: David Beckhamu00a0- $26,800,000
6: Ronaldinhou00a0- $25,800,000
7: Carlos Tevezu00a0- $21,700,000
8: Frank Lampardu00a0- $20,100,000