The MLS Players Association released its annual salary report, and Lionel Messi remains the league’s top earner for the third straight year.
Messi’s new deal pays $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation, which includes a $25 million base salary. The 38‑year‑old led Inter Miami to its first MLS Cup, posting 15 goal contributions (six goals, nine assists) and becoming the first player to win back‑to‑back MLS MVP honors.
Inter Miami’s massive payroll
Inter Miami also pays fellow Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul $9.6 million guaranteed, the third‑largest salary in MLS. The club’s total guaranteed compensation stands at $54.6 million, nearly half of which goes to Messi.
LAFC follows in spending
Los Angeles FC ranks second with a total guarantee of $32.7 million. About one‑third of that, $11.1 million, is allocated to South Korean star Son Heung‑min, the league’s second‑largest earner.
Both clubs have reaped on‑field rewards: Inter Miami captured the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and the 2024 MLS Cup; LAFC won the 2022 MLS Cup.
Smallest payrolls
Sporting Kansas City’s guaranteed compensation is $12.4 million, the lowest in the league, while Philadelphia Union checks in at $11.7 million.
Top 10 payrolls
- Inter Miami – $54.6 million
- LAFC – $32.7 million
- Sporting Kansas City – $12.4 million
- Philadelphia Union – $11.7 million