Lionel Messi: The Highest-Paid Player in Major League Soccer

 

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS), earning over $20 million annually with his contract at Inter Miami. According to data released by the MLS Players Association on Thursday, Messi's salary surpasses the total payrolls of 25 of the league's clubs.

Inter Miami boasts one of the highest payrolls in the league, totaling $41.7 million. Alongside Messi, other high-earning players on the team include Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba. Meanwhile, teams like the LA Galaxy and Atlanta have reduced their payrolls compared to the previous year.

The average base salary for senior roster players in the MLS is around $513,075, with total guaranteed compensation averaging $594,389. Only 13% of players earn at least $1 million, while 26% earn less than $100,000.

Messi's guaranteed compensation is $20,446,667, which includes a base salary of $12 million plus various bonuses. This figure does not include his substantial income from commercial deals, endorsements, and sponsorships with companies such as Adidas and Apple.

Toronto's Italian striker Lorenzo Insigne, previously the highest-paid player in MLS, is now second on the list with a guaranteed income of $15.4 million. Messi's teammate, Sergio Busquets, the 35-year-old former Barcelona midfielder, is the third top earner in the league, with $8.8 million guaranteed.