Messi’s $20.4 million salary in Miami surpasses all but 3 other MLS teams

Lionel Messi’s annualized pay from his Major League Soccer contract with Inter Miami has raised eyebrows across the league, with the superstar’s earnings exceeding the payrolls of all but three other teams. The MLS Players Association revealed that Messi’s base salary is $10.4 million, but his annualized compensation totals a staggering $20,446,667 for his first full season with the team.

Despite turning 37 next month, Messi has proven his worth on the field with 10 goals this season, just one shy of the MLS lead. His teammates, including midfielder Sergio Busquets and forwards Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, also command significant salaries, further solidifying Inter Miami’s status as a top-paying team in the league.

Miami currently leads the league with a payroll of $41.7 million, double that of most other teams. However, it’s worth noting that Nashville’s roster, with a total payroll of $21.4 million, still earns more than Messi individually.

The MLS salary release also highlighted the financial landscape of the league, with the average base salary for senior roster players increasing by 8.4% from the previous year. Total guaranteed compensation for all signed players reached $519 million, a significant increase from previous seasons.

As Messi continues to dominate on the field and in the paycheck department, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how his presence will impact the future of MLS and the league’s financial dynamics.