Lionel Messi has once again solidified his status as Major League Soccer's highest-paid player, signing a new three-year contract with Inter Miami that doubles his base salary to $25 million (£18.5 million). The contract, which runs through the 2028 season, includes over $28 million in guaranteed compensation, according to the latest salary release from the MLS Players' Association. Messi's earnings now exceed the total payrolls of 28 out of 29 MLS teams, underscoring his massive value to the league and his club.
Messi's previous deal paid him approximately $12 million annually, but his new contract reflects his continued dominance on the pitch. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has registered 59 goals and 26 assists in 64 regular-season appearances. He led the league with 29 goals last season, earning his second straight MLS MVP award, and guided Miami to its first MLS Cup title in October 2024. The Argentina captain has also started the 2026 season in blistering form, scoring nine goals in 11 matches.
Son Heung-min Sits Second
The second-highest earner in MLS is LAFC's Son Heung-min, who earns $10,368,750 in base salary and $11.2 million in total compensation. The South Korean winger, 33, joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025 and has maintained the same salary figures as his initial deal. Son arrived with enormous fanfare and has contributed six goals and four assists in 21 appearances for the Los Angeles club.
Despite Messi's overwhelming financial lead, Son's salary remains well above other high-profile Designated Players. Miguel Almiron, the former Newcastle United creator, earns $7.9 million in base salary for Atlanta United, while Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller – who left Bayern Munich last summer – receives $5.15 million. Cincinnati center-back Miles Robinson, likely to be a key figure in the United States' 2026 World Cup squad under Mauricio Pochettino, is the highest-earning domestic player at $3.95 million.
Inter Miami's Record Payroll
Inter Miami's total payroll of $54.6 million dwarfs that of every other club in the league. LAFC is second at $32.7 million, while the Philadelphia Union sits at the bottom with just $11.7 million. Miami's spending is nearly five times that of the lowest payroll and about $8 million higher than last season's $46.8 million. The club's aggressive investment in talent, led by Messi, has paid off with an MLS Cup victory and a strong start to the 2026 campaign.
League-wide, total player compensation has climbed to $631 million, with an average guaranteed compensation of $688,816 as of April 16 – a nine percent increase from the start of October. This growth reflects MLS's rising financial stature and its ability to attract global superstars like Messi and Son, as well as established European stars like Muller and Almiron.
Messi's Historic Impact
Since his arrival, Messi has transformed Inter Miami from a bottom-tier team into a championship contender. His 2024 MLS MVP season featured a hat-trick in the playoffs and a decisive goal in the MLS Cup final. The forward's influence extends beyond statistics; he has drawn record crowds, boosted merchandise sales, and elevated MLS's international profile. His new contract ensures he will remain the face of the league for at least three more years.
The salary figures released by the MLS Players' Association cover base salaries and guaranteed compensation, including marketing bonuses and agent fees. They do not include potential performance bonuses or additional agreements with the club or its affiliates. Messi's contract also reportedly includes a significant marketing component tied to his partnership with Adidas and Apple TV, though those numbers remain private.
As MLS continues to grow, the gap between the highest and lowest spenders remains a topic of debate. While teams like Miami invest heavily in star power, others operate on more modest budgets. However, the league's overall financial health appears strong, with average salaries rising and new Designated Player signings becoming increasingly common. For now, Messi stands alone at the top of the salary pyramid, a testament to his legendary status and the league's ambition to compete with top global football circuits.
Source: Yahoo Sports News