(CNN) Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the highest paid athlete in the world after earning $127 million over the last 12 months, according to Forbes.

Becoming only the second footballer to top the list, the 31-year-old Argentine edged out rival Cristiano Ronaldo , who sits second having earned $109 million last year.

Juventus forward Ronaldo became the first footballer to top the list in 2016 and the 34-year-old retained his top-spot in 2017.

Despite heading the Forbes list, Messi has endured a mixed season at the Catalan club. The Barcelona captain inspired his side to the La Liga title but suffered humiliation as Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit to knock the Spanish side out of the Champions League. Barcelona were also surprisingly beaten by Valencia in the Spanish Cup final.

Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar completes the top three earners, picking up $105 million.