Lionel Messi's Massive Salary on New Inter Miami Contract Revealed in Release of 2026 MLS Wages

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi remains far and away the highest-paid player in MLS.

The MLS Players Association disclosed Tuesday that Messi earns $28.3 million for the 2026 season. Los Angeles FC winger Heung-min Son is next on the list at $11.1 million. They're the only two with a salary exceeding $10 million.

The Associated Press' Ronald Blum noted that Inter Miami has a total payroll of $54.6 million, well ahead of LAFC ($32.7 million) in second place. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul accounts for $9.7 million overall, while forward Germán Berterame, defenders Sergio Reguilón and Facundo Mura and winger Tadeo Allende all crack seven figures.

The investment paid off in 2025 as Miami won its first MLS Cup, and the club should once again be in the thick of the title race. Through 12 matches, it's third in the Eastern Conference with 22 points.

Messi, the two-time reigning MVP, has nine goals and four assists so far.

The MLSPA figures don't even provide a full accounting of the 38-year-old's earnings.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said in March that Messi collects around $70 million to $80 million when factoring in his sponsorships and the special revenue-sharing deal he signed with Apple, MLS' media rights partner.

On the pitch, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has justified his massive salary. It might be more of a mixed bag in terms of his impact off the pitch.

For as much attention as Messi helped to bring on his own, it wasn't enough for MLS and Apple TV's Season Pass subscription service to remain viable. The two sides also renegotiated their contract so that it will end three years earlier than planned.

There might be limits to how much one player, even one as prominent as Messi, can do to boost the image of MLS.