LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi has retained his status as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player with an annual base salary of $25 million following his contract extension with Inter Miami CF, according to figures released by the MLS Players Association.
The updated salary data showed Messi’s guaranteed compensation rising to $28.3 million, more than double the earnings of the league’s second-highest paid player, Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC.
Messi’s renewed deal with Inter Miami will keep the Argentine star at the Florida-based club through the 2028 season. The figures do not include additional endorsement earnings or equity-related benefits linked to the club.
Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul ranked third among MLS earners with guaranteed compensation of $9.7 million, while Hirving Lozano and Miguel Almirón completed the top five salary rankings.
The 38-year-old Messi has continued to dominate MLS since joining Inter Miami in 2023, leading the club to major domestic success and maintaining his position as one of football’s highest-profile global stars.