Lionel Messi remains Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player with an annual base salary of $25m (£18.5m), more than double the league’s next-highest earner, according to figures released by the MLS Players Association. The 38-year-old Argentina forward’s contract extension with Inter Miami, signed in October, doubled his base salary. His total guaranteed compensation now reaches $28.3m (£20.9m), excluding endorsement income or his option to acquire a stake in the club.
Key Takeaways:
- Messi’s $25m base salary doubles his previous earnings
- LAFC’s Son Heung-min ranks second at $10.4m base salary
- Guaranteed compensation totals $28.3m for Inter Miami star
Inter Miami Star Signs Contract Extension Doubling Annual Pay
The contract extension, signed in October, dramatically increased Messi’s earnings since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His base salary doubled from the previous figure, solidifying his position atop the MLS salary list. The deal also includes guaranteed compensation of $28.3m, reflecting the club’s commitment to the Argentine legend.
LAFC’s Son Heung-min Ranks Second in MLS Salary List Behind Messi
Former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min earns a base salary of $10.4m (£7.7m) with LAFC, with guaranteed compensation reaching $11.2m (£8.3m). He narrowly edges out Inter Miami’s Rodrigo de Paul and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano, who round out the top three earners in the league.
Messi Leads MLS With 29 Goals, Wins MVP Honors in 2025 Season
The 38-year-old has scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season MLS games since joining Inter Miami. He led the league with 29 goals last season and has won Most Valuable Player honors in each of his two full MLS seasons, 2024 and 2025. Messi helped Miami win the MLS Cup in 2025.
