According to data released by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) on 25/5/2025, Messi's base salary is $20.45 million. This amount exceeds the total payroll of 21 out of 30 MLS clubs.
However, this figure doesn't represent Messi's total income. The Argentinian star also earns from endorsements with Adidas and a revenue-sharing agreement with MLS's broadcast partner, Apple.
Sportico reports that Messi could earn $150 million over the two-and-a-half-year term of his contract signed with Inter Miami and MLS in the summer of 2023.
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Messi celebrates his opening goal in Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over Montreal in round 22 of the 2025 MLS season on 29/5/2025. Photo: IMCF |
Messi celebrates his opening goal in Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over Montreal in round 22 of the 2025 MLS season on 29/5/2025. Photo: IMCF
Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne ranks second with a base salary of $15.44 million. Following him are Messi's Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets ($8.5 million), Atlanta United forward Miguel Almiron ($7.87 million), and San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano ($7.63 million).
Inter Miami continues to lead MLS in total payroll with $46.84 million, over $5 million more than the league record they set during the same period last year.
This amount is also more than double that of most other teams, with the exceptions of Toronto ($34.15 million) and Atlanta United FC ($27.63 million). Following them are FC Cincinnati with $23.18 million and reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy with $22.87 million.
CF Montreal has the lowest payroll in the league at $11.99 million. Above them are Philadelphia Union ($13.37 million), Real Salt Lake ($13.413 million), Houston Dynamo ($13.414 million), and Minnesota United ($13.8 million).
The average base salary for all MLS players is $649,199, a 9.22% increase from $594,390 in the spring of 2024. The median salary has also risen by 10.1%, from $308,750 during the same period last year to $339,876 currently. A total of 131 players earn a base salary of at least $1 million, compared to 115 players last year.
The salary figures from the MLSPA are calculated as of 25/5/2025. The MLSPA typically publishes salary data twice a year. In 2023, just a few months before Messi's arrival in Miami, Insigne was the league's highest-paid player.
MLS and the MLSPA are in the fifth year of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was ratified in February 2021. The current CBA is valid until the end of the 2027 season.
Hong Duy (ESPN)
