Lionel Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul feature among the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi maintains his position as the top earner in Major League Soccer, commanding an annual base salary of $25 million. This figure more than doubles that of the league’s next highest-paid player.
The latest salary figures, external released by the MLS Players Association reflect Messi’s contract extension, which the Argentinian star, soon to turn 39, signed with Inter Miami in October.
The forward’s base salary has effectively doubled, with the overall agreement guaranteeing compensation of $28.3 million.
LAFC’s Son Heung-min holds the second spot with a base salary of $10.4 million, guaranteeing him $11.2 million.
The 33-year-old former Tottenham player earns slightly more than Inter Miami’s Rodrigo de Paul and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano.
These salary figures exclude income derived from endorsement deals, as well as Messi’s option to acquire equity in Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham.
Messi joined the Florida-based club in 2023, having since scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season MLS games. His contributions were instrumental in Miami’s MLS Cup victory in 2025.
He topped the league with 29 goals last season and has been awarded the Most Valuable Player title in both full MLS seasons he has participated in, specifically 2004 and 2005.
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