By Wellington Jopelo
Football icon Lionel Messi has once again finished as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer after new salary figures showed the Inter Miami superstar remains far ahead of every other player in the league.
Fresh data released by the MLS Players Association revealed that Messi now earns around $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation, more than double the salary of the league’s second-highest earner.
The Argentine captain’s earnings increased after signing a new contract extension with Inter Miami CF, further strengthening his place as the biggest financial attraction in American football.
South Korean forward Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC is currently the second-highest paid player in MLS with earnings above $11 million.
Messi’s teammate Rodrigo De Paul also ranks among the league’s top earners following his arrival in Miami.
Despite being 38 years old, Messi continues to dominate both on and off the pitch, with his presence dramatically increasing ticket sales, sponsorship deals, television audiences, and the global popularity of MLS.
Reports also suggest the former Barcelona star earns even more through separate commercial partnerships connected to Apple TV, Adidas, and revenue-sharing agreements linked to the league.
Since arriving in the United States in 2023, Messi has transformed Inter Miami into one of the most recognised football clubs in the world while helping MLS attract more international attention.
The salary figures also highlight the growing financial gap within the league, with Messi reportedly earning more than the entire player payroll of some MLS clubs combined.
Football analysts believe his massive contract reflects not just his ability on the field, but also his huge commercial value and worldwide fan influence.
As MLS continues expanding its global profile, Messi’s financial dominance remains one of the clearest signs of how much the league has changed since his arrival in America.