Messi step away from world's highest paid athlete

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has become the highest paid athlete in the world, Report informs, citing Sportico.

Over the past year, the basketball player has earned $126.9 million, with $90 million on advertising contracts.

PSG's Lionel Messi finished second for the second consecutive year. The striker earned $120 million, with $50 on promotion contracts.

Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo is third on the list with $115 million.

The five highest paid athletes included another Paris Saint-Germain player Neymar and Mexican boxer Saul Alvarez.

Last year's ranking winner Conor McGregor is only 21st this year. He managed to earn $52 million.