Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami made headlines in the football world, not just for his legendary status but also for the jaw-dropping $20.4 million (£16.6 million) base salary he commands annually.
The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) recently confirmed this league-high salary, placing Messi in a league of his own when it comes to earnings in Major League Soccer.
The 36-year-old Argentine sensation, having completed his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to join the franchise co-owned by former football superstar David Beckham.
His arrival at Miami had an immediate impact, resulting in the club’s victory in the Leagues Cup, which they won for the first time.
Messi contributed ten goals in just seven games, solidifying his status as a football legend.
Despite their Leagues Cup triumph, Miami fell short in the final of the US Open Cup, where they faced Houston Dynamo.
Unfortunately, Messi was sidelined due to injury, leaving the club without their talisman.
This period of Messi’s absence coincided with an untimely winless streak for Miami, preventing them from reaching the season-ending playoffs.
Although Miami won’t be competing for the 2023 MLS Cup, they have a different accolade to boast about: their top position in the MLS standings for base salary.
According to the MLSPA’s press release, Messi’s base salary stands at $12 million, with an additional $8.4 million in guaranteed compensation.
These figures exclusively represent Messi’s salary, as his earnings from commercial deals and sponsorships propel his total income well beyond the $50 million mark.
Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri follow Messi as the second and third highest-paid players in the MLS, although their earnings are less than half of what Messi receives in Miami.
Chicharito and Federico Bernardeschi complete the top five, with notable backgrounds playing for Manchester United and Juventus, respectively.
Here is the list of the top five highest-paid MLS players, along with their base salaries and guaranteed compensation:
MLSPA: 10 Highest Paid Players
- Lionel Messi
- Club: Inter Miami
- Base Salary: $12 million
- Guaranteed Money: $20.4 million
- Lorenzo Insigne
- Club: Toronto FC
- Base Salary: $7.5 million
- Guaranteed Money: $15.4 million
- Xherdan Shaqiri
- Club: Chicago Fire
- Base Salary: $7.3 million
- Guaranteed Money: $8.1 million
- Chicharito
- Club: LA Galaxy
- Base Salary: $6 million
- Guaranteed Money: $7.4 million
- Federico Bernardeschi
- Club: Toronto FC
- Base Salary: $3.1 million
- Guaranteed Money: $6.2 million
Even Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, continue to earn decent salaries in the twilight of their careers.
Busquets’ base salary is $1.5 million, increasing to $1.75 million in guaranteed compensation. Alba takes home $1 million, with guaranteed compensation reaching $1.25 million.
Notably, former Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki, now with Minnesota United FC, enjoys a handsome base salary of $3.2 million in his new MLS surroundings, with guaranteed earnings surpassing $3.5 million.
Lionel Messi’s presence in Major League Soccer has not only elevated the league’s profile but also set a new standard for player salaries, making his move to Inter Miami one of the most significant transfers in MLS history.