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Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in the MLS
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has redefined financial standards in Major League Soccer (MLS), catapulting the club’s payroll to unprecedented heights.
According to the recent salary update from the Major League Soccer Players Association, Messi’s base salary sits at an impressive $12 million, while his total compensation package amounts to $20.4 million.
This figure doesn’t just make him the league's top earner as it also positions his earnings alone above the entire payroll of 22 MLS teams, underscoring the impact of his arrival on the league’s financial landscape.
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Despite earning way less compared to his salary in European football, the eight-time Ballon d;Or winner still sits comfortably as one of the world’s highest paid footballers.
Inter Miami now leads the league with a staggering $41.7 million payroll—double that of all but a few teams like Toronto, with a payroll of $31.8 million, and Los Angeles FC, which spends $22.1 million.
While Olivier Giroud joined Los Angeles FC in July with a $3.675 million annual compensation, Messi’s earnings exceed nearly the entire roster of many teams in MLS, a feat that highlights his value not only on the field but also as a marketing and fan engagement powerhouse.
Messi’s lucrative deals beyond his Inter Miami salary
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Beyond his impressive base salary, Messi’s earnings include lucrative bonuses and unique revenue-sharing deals.
The 37-year-old’s total income from Inter Miami is boosted by his share of the league’s Apple TV streaming revenue, which is expected to add about $50 million to his bank account.
This partnership is particularly significant, as it marks a pioneering shift in player compensation within the MLS, reflecting Messi’s marketable power and influence in driving viewership.
And as of 2024, no footballer on the planet makes more than Messi from sponsorships and endorsements.
Messi’s presence is also reshaping Inter Miami’s brand value.
With teammate Sergio Busquets earning $8.8 million in total compensation and other notable stars like Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne at $15.4 million, Messi’s compensation sets an unparalleled benchmark, one likely to influence the financial structure for elite players across the league.
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