Messi remains king, tops MLS salary list for second consecutive year at $20.5 Million

Lionel Messi continues to reign supreme as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player, with the Inter Miami CF superstar earning a guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million for the second consecutive year. 

The latest figures, released by the MLS Players Association on Wednesday, June 25th, confirm that the Argentine maestro remains in a league of his own when it comes to player earnings in North American soccer.

Messi’s robust compensation package, which includes a base salary of $12 million along with various marketing bonuses and agent fees, significantly outstrips his peers across the league. 

This figure, however, represents only a portion of his total earnings, as industry experts like Sportico estimate his overall income from his two-and-a-half-year deal with Inter Miami could exceed $150 million, thanks to additional revenue streams such as his Adidas endorsement and a cut of subscriptions from the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

The impact of Messi’s arrival in MLS last year has been undeniable, not just on the field but also on the league’s financial landscape. Inter Miami’s total guaranteed compensation, which includes his substantial salary, has surged to a record-breaking $46.84 million as of May 23, 2025. 

This figure is a $5 million increase from their previous league record in 2024 and more than double the spending of all but two other MLS teams. Toronto FC follows with a total payroll of $34.15 million, and Atlanta United at $27.63 million.

Miami’s Messi still the highest-earner in Major League Soccer at US$20.5 million https://t.co/R1QVeGbReZ

— CTV News (@CTVNews) June 25, 2025

Following Messi on the list of highest-paid players is Toronto FC’s Italian winger, Lorenzo Insigne, who holds steady at $15.4 million in guaranteed compensation. Inter Miami also boasts another top earner in veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who ranks third with approximately $8.77 million.

The MLS continues to grow its financial muscle, with the average guaranteed compensation across the league increasing by 9.22% to $649,199 from $594,390 in spring 2024. The median salary also saw a rise of 10.1% to $339,876. 

Furthermore, the number of players earning at least $1 million in guaranteed compensation has jumped to 131, up from 115 a year ago, reflecting the league’s overall upward trajectory in player remuneration.

As Messi embarks on his second full year in MLS, his continued financial dominance underscores his immense value and star power, both on and off the pitch, in solidifying the league’s global appeal.

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