The MLS Players Association released the annualized salaries of every player in Major League Soccer on Tuesday. For the third consecutive season, Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi tops the charts as the league's highest-paid player.
Messi signed a landmark deal worth $25 million in base salary with $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation. Despite being in the twilight of his career at age 38, he led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup last winter, recording 15 goal contributions (six goals and nine assists)—a historic postseason record. He also became the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards.
Inter Miami Dominates League Payroll
Rodrigo De Paul earns a $7.5 million base salary with $9.6 million in guaranteed compensation this season—the third-highest in MLS. Together, Inter Miami's roster totals $54.6 million in guaranteed compensation, making them the most expensive payroll in the league.
LAFC comes in second at $32.7 million. The Western Conference side allocates significant funds to South Korean star Son Heung-min, whose $10.3 million base salary and $11.1 million guaranteed compensation rank second in the league, sandwiched between Messi and De Paul.
The heavy investment has paid off for both clubs. Since Messi's arrival, Inter Miami has won the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters' Shield, and the 2024 MLS Cup. LAFC claimed the MLS Cup in 2022 and has dominated the Western Conference in recent years.
Most Affordable Clubs
Sporting Kansas City and Philadelphia Union hold the league's least expensive payrolls at $12.4 million and $11.7 million in guaranteed compensation, respectively.