Messi Doubles His Base Salary to $25 Million at Inter Miami

Messi's Record-Breaking Salary at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has significantly increased his earnings as he embarks on his journey with Inter Miami, doubling his base salary to $25 million per year. The total guaranteed compensation under the new contract reaches $28.3 million, solidifying his position as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Comparison with Other Players

Messi’s earnings put him more than twice the salary of the next highest-paid player, South Korea’s Son Heung-min. According to the MLS Players Association, Son earns an annual base salary of $10.36 million, with total guaranteed compensation amounting to $11.2 million. This vast difference illustrates Messi's exceptional financial standing within the league.

Contract Details and Implications

The latest salary figures are reflective of the contract extension Messi signed in October, which assures him a spot with the Florida franchise until 2028. Importantly, these figures do not include potential income from endorsements or the investment option Messi holds in the team, which is co-owned by football legend David Beckham.

League Payroll Landscape

Inter Miami's overall payroll now stands at $54.6 million, significantly surpassing the league's average. To put this in perspective:

• Los Angeles FC, the second-highest, reports a payroll of $32.7 million.
• The Philadelphia Union has the lowest payroll in the league at $11.7 million.

This year has seen a remarkable increase in Miami’s payroll from $46.8 million, showcasing their aggressive investment strategy in securing top talent.

Messi's Impact and Performance

At 38 years old, Messi's influence in MLS is undeniable, evidenced by his impressive record of 59 goals in 64 regular-season matches since his arrival in Miami. Last season, he led the league with 29 goals and received the Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive year.

Other Noteworthy Salaries in MLS

Following Son Heung-min, Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul ranks third with $9.7 million in guaranteed compensation. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano from Mexico follows closely with $9.3 million, while Atlanta's Miguel Almiron rounds out the top five with $7.9 million.

With MLS total league compensation at $631 million, this financial landscape illustrates the growing competitiveness of soccer in North America. The average guaranteed compensation for players has risen by 8.9% since last October, reaching approximately $688,816 per player.

As the league heads into a new season, Messi's dominance in salaries underscores his pivotal role in elevating both his team's profile and MLS’s global standing.