Messi Holds Top Spot as MLS Highest Earner After Union Salary Release

The players unions most recent salary roster incorporates the deal renewal Messi agreed with Inter Miami during October, ensuring he stays with the Florida side until the end of 2028.

Based on the data, Messis basic wage has risen by a factor of two, and the complete agreement guarantees him $28.3 million in total pay.

Son Heung min, the South Korean standout and previous Tottenham leader, who moved to Los Angeles FC in August via a reported league record transfer of $26 million, earns a base of $10.36 million and $11.2 million in overall guaranteed funds.

These wages exclude earnings from sponsorships, and Messis total does not account for his chance to buy into the Florida team, which is partly owned by David Beckham and where he began playing in 2023.

The 38 year old Messi, set to guide Argentinas bid to retain their World Cup crown from next month, has netted 59 times across 64 MLS regular season outings for Miami. He topped the scoring charts with 29 strikes in the prior campaign and secured the Most Valuable Player award for another year running.

Rodrigo De Paul, who shares team duties with Messi at both Inter Miami and with Argentina, sits third in the rankings at $9.7 million guaranteed pay.

Mexicos Hirving Chucky Lozano occupies fourth place with $9.3 million, even though he has not appeared for San Diego since November.

Miguel Almiron from Atlanta fills the fifth position with $7.9 million in assured compensation.

The entire leagues pay package amounts to $631 million, featuring an average guaranteed salary of $688,816, marking an increase of 8.9 percent compared to the October figures from last year.