Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has set financial records in Major League Soccer (MLS), with the 36-year-old Argentine superstar earning a league-high salary of $20.4 million (£16.6 million) per year. This figure has been confirmed by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA).
Messi’s Move to Miami
Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. He signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club, which is co-owned by former England international David Beckham. Messi’s presence had an immediate impact, leading Inter Miami to their first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, thanks to his ten goals in seven games. Although they reached the final of the US Open Cup, Messi’s absence due to injury saw them lose to Houston Dynamo.
Financial Breakdown
According to the MLSPA, Messi’s annual earnings consist of a $12 million base salary and an additional $8.4 million in guaranteed compensation. These figures do not include Messi’s commercial deals and sponsorships, which push his total earnings well beyond $50 million.
Comparisons within the League
Messi’s salary dwarfs those of other top earners in the MLS. The second highest-paid player, Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC, earns $15.4 million in guaranteed money, less than half of Messi’s total earnings. Xherdan Shaqiri of Chicago Fire follows with $8.1 million. The top five highest-paid players in MLS are rounded out by Chicharito (LA Galaxy) and Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC).
Top 10 Highest-Paid MLS Players
Here is a list of the top ten highest-paid players in MLS, based on the latest MLSPA figures:
| Player | Club | Base Salary | Guaranteed Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | $12m | $20.4m |
| Lorenzo Insigne | Toronto FC | $7.5m | $15.4m |
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Chicago Fire | $7.3m | $8.1m |
| Chicharito | LA Galaxy | $6m | $7.4m |
| Federico Bernardeschi | Toronto FC | $3.1m | $6.2m |
| Sebastian Driussi | Austin FC | $3.8m | $6m |
| Hector Herrera | Houston Dynamo | $4.75m | $5.2m |
| Douglas Costa | LA Galaxy | $3m | $4.5m |
| Christian Benteke | DC United | $4.4m | $4.4m |
| Josef Martinez | Inter Miami | $4m | $4.3m |
Former Teammates
Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also joined Inter Miami but at significantly lower salaries. Busquets earns a base salary of $1.5 million, rising to $1.75 million with guaranteed compensation, while Alba earns a base salary of $1 million, reaching $1.25 million with guarantees.
Other Notable Salaries
Teemu Pukki, formerly of Norwich City and now with Minnesota United FC, earns a base salary of $3.2 million, reaching over $3.5 million in guaranteed money.
Impact on Inter Miami
Despite Messi’s substantial financial impact, his absence due to injury affected Inter Miami’s performance, causing them to miss the MLS playoffs. However, his contribution to the team’s immediate success and his influence on the sport in the region cannot be understated.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami and his record-breaking salary have not only highlighted his enduring value as a footballer but also underscored the financial muscle MLS teams can wield to attract global stars. This move marks a significant milestone in the league’s history, elevating its profile on the world stage.