[jader201]

What you're talking about is entertainers.

Athletes that make that kind of money are entertaining crowds.

So the same could be said for famous actors, musicians, etc.

But athletes that aren't also entertainers don't make that kind of money.

[xeromal]

I'd posit Messi isn't an entertainer unless you consider him playing soccer entertaining by using his athleticism as an athelete.

[jader201]

If an athlete’s money comes primarily from their fame and/or ticket sales from spectators, to me that’s the definition of an entertainer.

[queenkjuul]

So, all professional athletes? They're still athletes, regardless.