Lionel Messi has solidified his status as the unrivaled financial king of Major League Soccer after signing a contract extension with Inter Miami in October that more than doubled his base salary to $25 million (£18.5m) per year, with guaranteed compensation reaching $28.3 million. The deal, announced through the MLS Players Association's latest salary release, cements the Argentine forward as the league's top earner by a staggering margin.
The numbers underscore Messi's singular value: his base pay is over twice that of the next-highest earner, Son Heung-min of LAFC, who commands a $10.4 million salary with $11.2 million guaranteed. While Son, the former Tottenham stalwart, has made a smooth transition to MLS at 33, the financial gap illustrates the unparalleled commercial and competitive draw Messi provides.
Trailing Son in the salary rankings are Messi's Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo de Paul and San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano, both World Cup veterans for Argentina and Mexico respectively. Though specific figures for these players were not disclosed in the report, they are noted to earn slightly less than Son, underscoring the elite company Messi keeps while still dwarfing their compensation.
The contract extension arrives as Messi approaches his 39th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has tallied 59 goals in 64 regular-season appearances, led the club to its first MLS Cup in 2025, and collected consecutive league MVP awards. Last season, his 29 goals topped the scoring charts, reaffirming his dominance at a stage when many players consider winding down.
From an organizational perspective, Inter Miami's investment is a calculated bet on sustained success and global relevance. Co-owned by David Beckham, the club has already honored Messi by naming a stand after him—a move that speaks to his transformational impact. The contract includes an option for Messi to acquire an ownership stake in the franchise, aligning his long-term interests with the club's growth. Crucially, the published salary figures exclude such equity components and his substantial endorsement income, meaning his actual annual take could be many times higher.
For the broader MLS ecosystem, the yawning wage gap raises questions about competitive balance and the league's Designated Player mechanism, which allows teams to spend above the rigid salary cap on select stars. Messi's presence undoubtedly lifts the league's profile, drawing record attendances, TV ratings, and sponsorship deals. Yet his salary equivalent to more than two Son Heung-mins—itself a marquee acquisition—reflects the extreme concentration of resources that some critics argue could undermine parity.
Son's move to LAFC represented a significant coup, bringing a Premier League-proven talent to the West Coast. His $10.4 million base may seem modest by comparison, but it still ranks among the league's largest contracts, highlighting how even elite international names operate on a different tier from Messi. The South Korean's marketability and on-field production justify the expense, but the gap to Messi illustrates the unique tier the World Cup winner occupies.
Rodrigo de Paul's inclusion on the list alongside Messi at Inter Miami creates a compelling Argentine connection in South Florida. The midfielder, who started in Argentina's 2022 World Cup final victory, provides steel and service to Messi, and their partnership has been instrumental in the club's rise. Lozano's high salary at expansion side San Diego FC signals the league's ambition to attract prime-age talent from top European leagues.
Historically, Messi's deal shatters previous MLS salary records, which were held by players like Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri in the $14–15 million range. The leap to $25 million reflects not only Messi's unparalleled star power but also the league's evolving financial calculus, where one player can single-handedly transform a franchise's valuation and global brand.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will rely on Messi to defend their MLS Cup and compete in continental tournaments. As he nears his fourth decade, his durability and performance level will be critical; any dip could expose the team's over-dependence. For now, though, his goal scoring and visionary play continue to justify every dollar. The rest of the league watches and learns, with many clubs likely to pursue their own mega-star signings to close the gap.
The financial stratification extends beyond the pitch. Messi's contract includes revenue-sharing arrangements that tie his earnings to the growth of the league and its media rights, a model that could set a precedent for future megastars. As MLS expands and international investment pours in, the salary ceiling may continue to rise, but for the foreseeable future, Messi will be the benchmark against which all other deals are measured.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.