Lionel Messi continues to be Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player for the third consecutive year, with his total annual compensation exceeding $20.4 million. This astonishing figure, revealed in the MLS Players Association’s (MLSPA) first of two annual salary releases on Wednesday, is greater than the entire payroll of 21 of the league’s 30 teams.
Messi’s base compensation stands at $12 million. His total compensation of $20,446,667 covers his MLS deal, which extends through the 2025 season, and includes marketing bonuses and agent’s fees. It does not, however, account for additional agreements with Inter Miami or its affiliates, or for any performance bonuses.
Inter Miami itself leads the league in team payroll, with a record $46.8 million as of May 23. This is a significant increase from their $41.7 million payroll at the end of last season and more than double the outlay of all other teams except Toronto FC ($34.1 million) and Atlanta United ($27.6 million). Montreal has the lowest payroll in the league, just under $12 million.
The MLSPA’s latest release also indicates a healthy overall growth in player compensation across the league. The average guaranteed compensation for MLS players has risen by 9.2% since May 2024, reaching $649,120.
Beyond Messi, other high-earners include Toronto FC winger Lorenzo Insigne ($15.4 million), followed by a contingent of Inter Miami stars like Sergio Busquets ($8,774,996) and Jordi Alba ($6 million). Atlanta’s Miguel Almirón ($7,871,000) and San Diego’s new signing Hirving “Chucky” Lozano ($7,633,333) also feature prominently among the top earners.
Overall, 11 players in MLS now earn $5 million or more, up from nine at the start of last season, and 131 players command $1 million or more, an increase from 115 last year. The total compensation for all 902 signed players in the league now stands at $586 million, a 12.9% increase from the beginning of the 2024 season.