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Inter Miami star Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the second consecutive year, according to figures released by the MLS Players Association.
The 38-year-old Argentine legend earns a total guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million, placing him comfortably ahead of every other player in the league. However, this figure only reflects a portion of Messi’s full earnings, which are significantly boosted by endorsement deals — notably with Adidas — and a revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, the league’s broadcast partner.
According to Sportico, Messi could earn up to $150 million over the course of his two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami and MLS, which began in the summer of 2023.
Trailing behind Messi is Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne, with guaranteed earnings of $15.44 million, while Sergio Busquets, Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, comes in third with $8.5 million.
Rounding out the top five are Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón, earning $7.87 million, and San Diego FC’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, with $7.63 million.
Messi’s dominant earnings reflect both his global stature and the transformative impact he has had on MLS since his arrival.
