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Lionel Messi’s MLS pay climbs again as Inter Miami star widens gap atop salary rankings
TL;DR
Lionel Messi's salary in MLS has increased to $28.333 million for the 2025 season, a 39% rise from last year. His base salary is now $25 million, and with his ownership stake in Inter Miami, he earns between $70 million and $80 million annually.
Key points
- Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS.
- Messi's guaranteed compensation is $28.333 million for the 2025 season.
- His base salary increased to $25 million from $12 million.
- Messi's contract runs through the 2028-29 season.
- He earns between $70 million and $80 million annually including ownership stake.
Mentioned in this story
MLS Players Association
Lionel MessiInter Miami
Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer by a wide margin, but after re-signing with Inter Miami in October, his salary has grown substantially.
According to data released by the MLS Players Association on Tuesday, the Argentine superstar will receive guaranteed compensation of $28.333 million this season — a 39 percent increase over his 2025 package of $20.446 million.
Messi’s base salary grew to $25 million from $12 million. Guaranteed compensation includes base salary and all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, including option years. His new deal runs through the 2028-29 season.
Taking into account his ownership stake in Inter Miami, Messi collects $70 million to $80 million per year, club owner Jorge Mas told Bloomberg in March.
Still among the world’s elite players — and still the sport’s most famous — the 38-year-old forward last year became the first MLS player to win back-to-back MVP awards. He also guided Miami to its first MLS Cup trophy with six goals and nine assists in six playoff matches.
Since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain late in the 2023 season, Messi has recorded 59 goals and 41 assists in 64 regular season appearances. This year he has nine goals and four assists in 11 matches.
He is expected to lead reigning champion Argentina at this summer’s World Cup across North America.
Two other Miami players cracked the top 25: Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul at No. 3 with $9.688 million and Mexican forward Germán Berterame at No. 21 with $3.834 million.
Q&A
What is Lionel Messi's new salary for the 2025 MLS season?
Lionel Messi's new salary for the 2025 MLS season is $28.333 million.
How much did Messi's base salary increase in MLS?
Messi's base salary increased from $12 million to $25 million.
What is the total annual compensation Messi receives from Inter Miami?
Messi's total annual compensation from Inter Miami is estimated to be between $70 million and $80 million.
Until when does Messi's new contract with Inter Miami run?
Messi's new contract with Inter Miami runs through the 2028-29 season.
