Lionel Messi continues to reign as Major League Soccer's top earner, with a base salary of $25 million that more than doubles the next-highest paid player, according to the MLS Players Association's latest salary report released Tuesday.
The Argentine superstar's earnings reflect the contract extension he signed with Inter Miami in October, keeping him with the Florida club through the 2028 season. His base salary has doubled under the new deal, which includes $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation. Notably, these figures don't include endorsement income or his option to acquire a stake in the franchise co-owned by David Beckham.
Messi's on-field performance justifies the investment. The 38-year-old led the league with 29 goals last season, earning his second consecutive MVP award. In 64 regular-season games with Miami, he's netted 59 goals. He's also expected to lead Argentina's World Cup title defense starting next month.
Behind Messi, the salary hierarchy shows MLS's growing global appeal. South Korea star Son Heung-min, the former Tottenham captain who joined LAFC last August for a record $26 million transfer fee, ranks second with $10.36 million in base salary and $11.2 million in guaranteed compensation.
Messi's Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul sits third at $9.7 million guaranteed. Mexico's Hirving "Chucky" Lozano follows with $9.3 million, despite not playing for San Diego since November. Atlanta's Miguel Almiron rounds out the top five at $7.9 million guaranteed.
League-wide, total compensation reached $631 million, with the average guaranteed salary hitting $688,816—an 8.9% increase from last October. This growth underscores MLS's rising financial power and its ability to attract world-class talent.