Messi highest paid sports star in world

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has been named as the highest athlete in the world.

According to the Forbes top 100 ranking, the Argentina international earned $127m (£99.8m) in the past 12 months.

Juventus's Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is second on $109m (£85.6m) with Paris St-Germain's Brazil forward Neymar in third on $105m (£82.5m).

Last year's highest earner, boxer Floyd Mayweather, has dropped off the list.

Serena Williams is the only woman in the top 100, earning $29.2m (£22.9m).

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