Overview
- Updated 2026 data from the MLS Players Association lists Lionel Messi with $28,333,333 in guaranteed compensation, the top mark in the league.
- Heung-min Son ranks second at about $11.15 million, which means Messi makes more than double any other MLS player by club pay.
- The MLSPA totals reflect only money paid by teams and exclude image rights, personal sponsors and any equity, so Messi’s overall income is higher.
- Messi’s single-player compensation exceeds the full payroll of nearly every MLS club, with only Los Angeles FC’s roster spend reported above that figure.
- Inter Miami’s business has swelled since Messi arrived, with revenues reported rising from roughly $56 million in 2022 to about $200 million and a Forbes valuation near $1.35 billion, while teammates like Rodrigo De Paul ($9.69 million) help fill out a top-heavy salary table.