Lionel Messi remains top earner in Major League Soccer with record salary deal in Miami United States after Inter Miami extension

The salary picture in Major League Soccer has a familiar name sitting right at the very top again.

Lionel Messi has officially kept his position as the league’s highest-paid player after agreeing to a new contract extension with Inter Miami CF.

According to figures released by the MLS Players Association, the Argentine captain now earns a base salary of around $25 million (£18.5m) per year.

That alone already places him far ahead of everyone else in the league, more than doubling the earnings of his closest rival.

When bonuses and guaranteed packages are included, his total compensation rises to about $28.3 million (£20.9m).

The extension was signed in October and further locks in his role as the central figure of MLS since his arrival in 2023.

A Salary Gap No One Else in MLS Is Close To

Behind Messi, the next biggest earner is former Tottenham Hotspur attacker Son Heung-min, who sits second on the list with a base salary of roughly $11.2 million (£8.3m).

The gap between first and second place is still massive, showing just how unique Messi’s deal is within the league’s structure.

Other notable names in the top bracket include Rodrigo De Paul and Hirving Lozano, both of whom are among the higher earners in MLS but still well behind the top spot.

What’s important is that these figures only cover official salary records.

They do not include sponsorship deals, image rights, or commercial earnings, which in Messi’s case are believed to be significantly higher due to global endorsements.

Beyond Salary: Messi’s Bigger Deal With Inter Miami

Messi’s financial package is not just about wages.

His arrangement reportedly includes long-term commercial incentives and the possibility of acquiring an ownership stake in the club, which is co-owned by David Beckham.

That ownership option adds another layer to what is already one of the most unusual contracts in modern football, blending salary with business influence.

Since joining MLS in 2023, Messi has changed the commercial energy of the league.

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Broadcast interest, ticket demand, and global visibility have all risen sharply, with Inter Miami becoming one of the most watched clubs in North America almost overnight.

On the pitch, his impact has been just as strong.

He has scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season matches, helped Inter Miami win the MLS Cup in 2025, and finished as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals last season.

Other Known Context Around MLS Salaries and Growth

MLS operates under a salary structure that includes designated player rules, allowing clubs to sign marquee names outside the usual wage cap limits.

Messi is the clearest example of how that system is used to attract global superstars.

The league has also been expanding its international reach, especially after securing major broadcasting partnerships that increased global visibility.

Messi’s arrival accelerated that growth far beyond expectations.

His presence has also influenced player recruitment, with more high-profile European and South American players now considering MLS as a competitive late-career destination.

Impact and Consequences

Messi remaining the top earner reinforces the financial reality of MLS: one superstar can reshape the league’s entire market identity.

For Inter Miami, it strengthens their position as both a sporting project and a global entertainment brand.

The club is no longer just a league participant—it has become a commercial centerpiece.

For MLS, the wage gap highlights a dual reality. On one hand, the league is attracting bigger names than ever.

On the other, it still operates with a steep hierarchy where a single player’s contract dwarfs everyone else.

Commercially, Messi’s presence continues to push ticket sales, global broadcasting interest, and sponsorship value upward.

That ripple effect often matters as much as his goals.

What’s next?

The focus now shifts to how long Messi continues at this level in MLS and whether Inter Miami builds even more around him in the coming seasons.

There is also growing interest in whether his ownership option becomes a reality and what that would mean for player-club relationships in the league.

On the sporting side, expectations remain high for more trophies.

Inter Miami will be expected to remain title contenders as long as he is leading the squad.

MLS itself will likely continue adjusting its commercial strategy around global stars, with Messi currently the biggest example of what that model can achieve.

Summary

Messi has not only stayed at the top of MLS wages but widened the gap, reinforcing his status as the league’s most influential player both financially and competitively.

His contract extension with Inter Miami confirms his long-term role as the face of soccer in the United States.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer after extending his Inter Miami contract
• His base salary is about $25 million annually, with total guaranteed pay around $28.3 million
• Son Heung-min is the second-highest earner with a significantly lower salary gap
• Rodrigo De Paul and Hirving Lozano are among the league’s other top earners
• Messi’s deal does not include endorsement income or commercial earnings
• He has scored 59 goals in 64 MLS regular-season games since joining in 2023
• He helped Inter Miami win the MLS Cup in 2025 and was top scorer last season
• His contract reportedly includes a possible ownership stake in the club
• His presence continues to boost MLS global visibility and commercial growth