Lionel Messi continues to dominate financially in MLS: skyrocketing salary and undeniable leadership
Major League Soccer (MLS) has once again confirmed what was already known: Lionel Messi is by far the highest-paid player in the North American league. The MLS Players Association released an updated list of salaries by team on Wednesday, revealing a significant increase in the Argentine star’s salary, which maintains his prominent position among the world’s football stars.
After renewing his contract with Inter Miami until December 31, 2028, in October of last year, Messi saw his annual salary rise from $20.45 million (approximately €17.46 million) to an impressive $28.33 million (€24.18 million). This increase further reinforces the Argentine’s status as the highest-paid footballer in the MLS, far surpassing any competitor in the league.
In second place on this salary table is Son Heung-Min, the South Korean forward of LAFC, with an annual salary of $11.5 million (€9.81 million), less than half of what Messi earns. In third place is Rodrigo de Paul, also from Inter Miami, who earns $9.6 million (€8.19 million), confirming that million-dollar contracts are not exclusive to the Argentine at the Florida club.
It is important to emphasize that the figures presented by MLS refer exclusively to the base salaries paid by the clubs. The additional income that Messi accumulates through sponsorship deals, merchandising, and shares in Inter Miami itself are not included in these figures. Jorge Mas, one of the owners of Inter Miami, revealed that when all these elements are combined, Messi’s total compensation could reach between 60 to 70 million dollars annually, a true financial colossus that goes far beyond the pitch.
Who is Lionel Messi? The Argentine forward, considered one of the greatest players of all time, moved to the United States in 2023 after a legendary career at Barcelona and a stint at Paris Saint-Germain. His tenure at Inter Miami, secured until 2028, not only elevates the profile of MLS on a global scale but also proves the growing financial power of the North American league.
This salary increase for Messi is a clear sign of Inter Miami’s commitment to building a competitive and media-savvy team, aiming to win titles and attract fans in a constantly growing league. For other players, the disparity in salaries is evident, but Messi’s presence continues to be a catalyst for the evolution and visibility of MLS on the international stage.
Whether due to the million-dollar figures or the sporting impact, Messi is once again the standout figure in MLS, solidifying his position as the highest-paid player and undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions in world football for the coming years. For fans and onlookers, one thing is certain: the Argentine star will continue to shine, both on and off the pitch, as Inter Miami enjoys its most expensive and, without a doubt, most valuable investment.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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