Messi remains MLS highest-paid player with $25m base salary

Messi earns more than double the salary of the league’s second-highest paid player.

LOS ANGELES: Argentina star Lionel Messi continues to dominate Major League Soccer’s salary rankings as the highest-paid player with an annual base salary of $25 million, according to the latest figures released by the MLS Players Association.

The report shows that Messi earns more than double the salary of the league’s second-highest paid player, South Korea’s Son Heung-min.

Messi’s updated earnings reflect his contract extension with Inter Miami CF signed in October, which will keep him at the club until the 2028 season. His overall guaranteed compensation has increased to $28.3 million.

Son Heung-min, who joined Los Angeles FC last August in a record transfer, earns a base salary of $10.36 million with total guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million.

The salary figures do not include endorsement earnings, nor do they reflect Messi’s reported option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham.

At 38, Messi continues to perform at a high level, scoring 59 goals in 64 MLS regular-season appearances. He also led the league with 29 goals last season and was named Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive year.

Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami and Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul ranks third on the salary list with $9.7 million in guaranteed compensation.

Mexico’s Hirving Lozano sits fourth despite limited appearances, while Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón completes the top five with $7.9 million.

Overall league compensation has reached $631 million, with average guaranteed pay rising 8.9 percent to $688,816, reflecting continued financial growth across MLS.