When it comes to soccer in the United States, one name continues to echo far louder than any other: Lionel Messi. He reigns supreme as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player for the second consecutive year, boasting an impressive guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million according to reports from the MLS Players Association. Messi’s earnings don’t just reflect his on-field prowess; they embody the transformative power he holds within the league. This financial dominance elevates not only his stature but also the visibility and prestige of the sport in America, making him a pivotal figure in the ongoing growth of MLS.
Messi’s financial landscape goes beyond mere salary. While the $20.45 million is substantial, it only represents a portion of his overall income. The Argentina star also receives a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas and a revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, further enhancing his earning potential. This duality of income reflects a broader trend in sports where star athletes are not merely players but also brands in themselves. Over the life span of his two-and-a-half-year contract, which he signed in the summer of 2023, projections suggest that Messi could earn as much as $150 million. Such staggering figures highlight why he is often referred to as the best of all time.
Comparative Compensation within the League
While Messi’s earnings are astronomical, the income levels of other players in the league also tell an interesting story. The second-highest earner, Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne, trails significantly at $15.44 million. Following him, Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets takes in $8.5 million. The disparity in compensation underscores the polarizing economics of soccer in the United States. The gap between Messi and the next highest players speaks to the exceptional marketability and talent that Messi brings to the pitch.
Further down the list, players like Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón and San Diego FC’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano earn $7.87 million and $7.63 million, respectively. The financial structure of MLS casts a clear light on the extent to which individual players can drive revenue and the league’s willingness to reward such exceptional talent. Messi’s presence not only endorses the league’s value but also sets a benchmark for others that seems rather incomparable.
Inter Miami: The Financial Giant of MLS
Inter Miami is not just defined by Messi’s remarkable contract. The entire team’s guaranteed compensation stands at an eye-watering $46.84 million, which is $5 million more than the record previously held by the club. Such numbers paint a vivid picture of the Miami franchise as an economic juggernaut within MLS. This financial prowess is more than a point of pride; it serves as a model for other clubs hoping to increase their competitiveness and market presence.
Five clubs follow Inter Miami in compensation outlays, but none could rival its sheer financial heft. Toronto FC sits next at $34.15 million, an amount that is notably below Miami’s baseline. The subsequent teams—Atlanta United, FC Cincinnati, and the LA Galaxy—also demonstrate how Messi’s allure influences the compensation trends across the league. The staggering amounts being allocated to player salaries indicate not just an initial investment but a firm belief in the potential for substantial returns.
A Bright Future for Player Earnings in MLS
The MLS Players Association’s analysis illustrates positive trends in player compensation overall. The average guaranteed compensation across the league surged by 9.22% compared to last year, now sitting at $649,199. This uptick reflects an encouraging trajectory for players and suggests a rapidly maturing league. The number of players earning at least $1 million has also risen, with 131 players now enjoying this level of compensation.
This data not only affirms the stability under the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, which runs through the end of the 2027 season, but it also points toward a bright future for players in MLS. As Messi continues to inspire both on and off the field, the possibility for further financial growth within the league remains ever prevalent.
The exponential increase in compensation underscores the league’s increasing investment in talent and its success in gaining traction in an already crowded sports market. The enduring impact of a superstar like Messi is palpable; he is not just shaping his own legacy but redefining the economic landscape of Major League Soccer.