Argentine superstar Lionel Messi continues to dominate both on and off the pitch. According to official data released by Major League Soccer (MLS), the Inter Miami forward tops the list of the league’s highest-paid players, earning a figure that puts him far ahead of the rest of the competition’s stars.

A Salary from Another Planet

According to the official report, Messi earns a base salary of $12 million per year, but his total guaranteed compensation reaches $20.446 million, including bonuses and performance incentives. This figure cements his status as the highest-paid player in MLS history, a reflection of both his sporting impact and his immense market power since arriving in the United States in 2023.

In second place on the list is South Korean forward Heung-Min Son of Los Angeles FC, earning $11.152 million, while third place goes to Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, Messi’s longtime friend and teammate at Inter Miami, with $8.7 million. The Catalan midfielder, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, remains a key figure in the Florida club’s project.

Other notable names include Paraguayan Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United, earning $7.8 million, and Jordi Alba, also at Inter Miami, who makes $6 million before hanging up his boots later this year. Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez rounds out the team’s group of stars with a comparatively modest $1.5 million salary, despite his legendary career.

Messi, Happy in Miami and Focused on the World Cup

In a recent interview with NBC, Lionel Messi spoke about his life at Inter Miami and his dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States. “Winning the World Cup was the dream of my life, but being able to defend it here would be something incredible. I’d love to be at my best and keep enjoying my time with the national team,” said the Argentine, who has extended his contract with the club until 2028.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that his decision to stay in the MLS is rooted in his happiness and that of his family: “I feel happy in Miami, enjoying life and football. As long as I feel good physically and mentally, I’ll keep playing.”

A Legacy Beyond Football

Messi also reflected on the idols who shaped his career, naming legends such as Diego Maradona, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James, praising those who transcended their respective sports.

With his influence both on and off the pitch, Lionel Messi is not only the highest-paid player in MLS but also the most powerful figure in American soccer. His presence continues to elevate the league’s competitive and global profile, helping to transform the MLS into a worldwide phenomenon.