Omotayo Fashola
(Lionel Messi. Photo by NBC News)
Lionel Messi remains unrivaled as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid star after securing a lucrative contract extension with Inter Miami CF.
According to the latest MLS Players Association report, the football legend commands an annual base salary of $25 million—more than double the earnings of any other player in the league.
When factoring in bonuses and incentives, Messi’s total guaranteed compensation reportedly climbs to approximately $28.3 million per year.
The 38-year-old Argentine icon signed the extension last October, reinforcing his status as the most influential figure in U.S. soccer since his high-profile transfer in 2023.
Trailing behind Messi on the salary leaderboard is Son Heung-min, the ex-Tottenham forward, with a base pay of $11.2 million, while Rodrigo De Paul and Hirving Lozano round out the league’s elite earners.
These disclosed figures exclude Messi’s lucrative sponsorship deals and his potential equity stake in Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham.
Messi’s arrival in Miami has elevated the league’s global profile, drawing unprecedented attention to MLS.
His on-field dominance continues unabated, with 59 goals in 64 regular-season appearances, including a league-leading 29-goal campaign last year and a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup victory.
