Messi Tops MLS Earnings at $20.45M

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer with roughly $20.45 million in guaranteed compensation in the MLS Players Association’s Oct. 1 salary release, but that figure does not yet reflect Inter Miami’s newly announced contract extension through 2028. Inter Miami leads MLS in total guaranteed pay at about $48.97 million annually. LAFC’s summer signing Son Heung‑min is the league’s No. 2 earner at about $11.15 million after a record transfer reportedly around $26–26.5 million and has made an immediate on- and off-field impact, scoring nine goals in 10 matches and earning an MLS Goal of the Year. Sergio Busquets ranks third at roughly $8.8 million and is expected to retire at the end of the season. The MLSPA annualized summer arrivals’ pay in its biannual update, and reports say Messi’s broader Miami package — including equity and off-field deals — could total up to about $150 million; his new contract will be reflected in the next (2026) salary release.