Lionel Messi: The Unrivaled MVP of Major League Soccer

Once again, Lionel Messi has secured his title as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the third consecutive year, earning a staggering $20,446,667 annually. This figure astonishingly surpasses the total payroll of 21 MLS teams combined!

Breaking Down Messi's Huge Payday

According to the Major League Soccer Players Association, Messi’s base salary is a solid $12 million. However, the total compensation of over $20 million factors in his MLS contract, which is set to run through the 2025 season, along with marketing bonuses and agent fees. It’s important to note that these figures don’t even include potential extra agreements or performance bonuses.

Trends in MLS Salaries

This latest salary release from the MLSPA showcases more than just Messi’s mind-boggling earnings. The average guaranteed compensation for MLS players has climbed to $649,120, reflecting a 9.2% increase from last year.

Inter Miami’s Record-Breaking Payroll

Messi's team, Inter Miami, is leading the charge with a record payroll of $46.8 million as of May 23, a significant rise from $41.7 million last season. This hefty payroll is double that of all other teams, except for Toronto ($34.1 million) and Atlanta ($27.6 million). Cincinnati, LA Galaxy, and other teams follow, showing just how financially dominant Miami has become.

Who's Hot on the Payroll Charts?

Following Messi, Toronto winger Lorenzo Insigne ranks as the second-highest earner with $15.4 million. Other notable mentions include Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets at $8.77 million and Atlanta’s Miguel Almirón at $7.87 million. A total of eleven players are now making $5 million or more!

The Growth of MLS Salaries

The total compensation across all MLS players has soared to an impressive $586 million, marking a 12.9% increase from the start of 2024. This growing figure highlights just how lucrative the league has become, with salaries climbing by nearly 50% since 2022.

Exciting New Talent in MLS

The league has introduced exciting new talents as well, such as Atlanta forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, who commands a salary of over $4 million after arriving from Middlesbrough. Others like Charlotte's Wilfried Zaha and New York Red Bulls' Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting are starting to make waves with their significant compensation.

National Team Players Making Their Mark

Among U.S. national team players, Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman earns nearly $3.5 million, while others like Seattle’s Jordan Morris and Jesús Ferreira also contribute to the growing presence of national talent in the league.

The MLS Revolution: A New Era of Soccer Pay

As MLS continues to evolve, the financial landscape showcases not only Messi's individual prowess but also the league's potential to attract top talent with lucrative contracts. This is a thrilling time for soccer fans and players alike!