Messi tops MLS salary chart with $25m annual pay in 2026

Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS with a base salary of $25 million in 2026.

Messi leads MLS earnings Lionel Messi continues to hold the top spot among the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer, earning an annual base salary of $25 million (£18.5 million). This figure is more than double the next-highest earner in the North American league. The earnings reflect the contract extension Messi signed with Inter Miami in October. Messi, who will turn 39 next month, sees his base salary doubled under the new deal, with overall guaranteed compensation totaling $28.3 million (£20.9 million). ## Top earners in MLS Son Heung-min of LAFC ranks second in MLS earnings with a base salary of $10.4 million (£7.7 million). His guaranteed compensation stands at $11.2 million (£8.3 million). The former Tottenham forward, now 33, earns marginally more than Inter Miami’s Rodrigo de Paul and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano. All figures do not account for additional income from endorsements or Messi’s potential stake in Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham. ## Messi’s impact on field Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season MLS matches. His contributions helped Miami secure the MLS Cup in 2025. Last season, he topped the league with 29 goals and was named MLS Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. His contract extension and on-field success underscore his value to the franchise. ## Related stories Inter Miami recently named a stadium after Messi after his achievements with the club. In a separate move, the actor known for playing Ted Lasso joined a U.S. soccer club. Football news updates are delivered directly to users’ phones for convenience.