Lionel Messi named as world's highest-paid sports star…

Lionel Messi named as world's highest-paid sports star as top 100 revealed

Lionel Messi has been named as the world's highest-paid athlete - edging out long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo .

Barcelona and Argentina superstar Messi has earned a staggering £99.8m in the past year, according to Forbes.

That takes him ahead of Ronaldo, who is in second on £85.6m, and former Barca teammate Neymar as footballers make up the top three.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is the best-paid Premier League star, earning £25.9m, while Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Mohamed Salah make the top 100.

The athletes' earnings are calculated by adding up their prize moneu, salaries and endorsements between June 2018 and 2019.

Cristiano Ronaldo with Barcelona's Lionel Messi (X00213)

Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts (Getty Images)

Canelo Alvarez and Roger Federer complete the top five ahead of NFL stars Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.

The remaining spots in the top 10 go to LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant of the NBA.

Lewis Hamilton and Anthony Joshua are the highest-paid British sports stars, sharing 13th spot on £43.2m.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates (Reuters)

Andy Ruiz Jr knocks down Anthony Joshua (Getty Images)

There is a significant fall from grace for Conor McGregor , who was fourth a year ago but has fallen to 21st after just one fight in the last 12 months.

Floyd Mayweather, who was the highest-earner in 2018, now doesn't even make the top 100 after just one exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.