Lionel Messi’s salary at Inter Miami exceeds the entire payroll of 22 other MLS teams.

Lionel Messi’s earnings at Inter Miami stand out across Major League Soccer (MLS), as he brings in more than the total payroll of 22 other MLS teams. According to the recent salary update from the Major League Soccer Players Association, Messi’s $12 million base salary and total compensation of $20,446,667 underscore his elite standing in the league.

Messi’s income is tied to his MLS contract, which runs through 2025, and covers any marketing bonus and agent’s fees. However, these figures don’t include any outside sponsorships or performance bonuses.

With rising salaries league-wide, average guaranteed compensation in MLS has climbed nearly 10 percent to $596,226, up from $543,207. Inter Miami, the league’s Supporters’ Shield winner this season, led the way with a record-setting payroll of $41.7 million, outpacing every team except Toronto ($31.8 million), Los Angeles FC ($22.1 million), LA Galaxy ($22 million), and Nashville ($21.9 million). Other teams with high payrolls include Cincinnati ($21 million) and Houston ($20.5 million), yet all still trail Messi’s paycheck.

On the other end of the spectrum, teams with smaller payrolls include Montreal ($11.4 million), Philadelphia ($13.8 million), and Dallas ($13.9 million).

Olivier Giroud, the French striker who joined Los Angeles FC on a free transfer from AC Milan in July, earns an annualized salary of $3.675 million. This move introduced another high-profile player to MLS as the league continues to attract top international talent.

Sergio Busquets, Messi’s Inter Miami teammate, is now the league’s second-highest earner with a salary of $8,499,996 and total compensation of $8,774,996. Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne follows with a $7.5 million base salary and $15.4 million in total compensation.

Notable MLS signings this summer

The summer transfer window saw several exciting arrivals to MLS. Houston forward Ezequiel Ponce joined with a $2.56 million salary and total compensation of $2,822,200. St. Louis signed Marcel Hartel for $1,797,600 in salary and $2,183,113 in total compensation. Atlanta welcomed Alexey Miranchuk at $2.4 million, totaling $3,685,441.

Other notable signings include:

Diogo Gonçalves (Salt Lake) – $1.65 million salary, $1,797,108 in total compensation.
Kelvin Yeboah (Minnesota) – $1.225 million salary.
Felipe Carballo (NY Red Bulls) – $1.02 million salary, $1,169,777 total compensation.
Chidozie Awaziem (Cincinnati) – $1.08 million salary, $1,205,675 total compensation.
Osman Bukari (Austin) – $1 million salary.
Marco Reus (LA Galaxy) – $960,000 salary, $1,216,667 total compensation.
Several American players have returned to MLS with noteworthy contracts. Reggie Cannon joined Colorado with a salary of $750,000, totaling $841,500. Tim Ream signed with Charlotte, earning $500,000 in salary and total compensation of $577,500.

Veterans listed in new roles

Former New England forward Jozy Altidore, now an MLS pool player, is listed with a salary of $1,683,750 and total compensation of $2,242,574. Michael Bradley, previously of Toronto, was recorded as retired with $725,000 in pay and total compensation.