According to statistics from the MLS players Association (MLSPA) released on May 25, Messi is receiving a basic salary of 20.45 million USD per year at Inter Miami club. This figure is even higher than the salary fund of 21/30 teams in MLS.
A hardship is only a part of Messi's income. He also earned tens of millions of dollars from advertising contracts with Adidas and a profit-sharing deal with Apple - the owner of MLS broadcasting rights.
In addition, Inter Miami is leading the tournament with a total salary of 46.84 million USD, far exceeding (nearly double) most of the remaining teams. Following are Toronto FC (34.15 million USD) and Atlanta United (27.63 million USD) - two rare clubs with a total salary fund close to Inter Miami's spending level.
Returning to personal salary, Messi is followed by Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) with a salary of 15.44 million USD. Meanwhile, Messi's teammates at Inter Miami, Sergio Busquets, are in 3rd place with a salary of 8.5 million USD, Miguel Almiron ( Atlanticta United) and Hirving Lozano ( San Diego FC) received 7.87 and 7.63 million USD, respectively.
MLSPA data also shows that the average salary of MLS players is increasing. Accordingly, the average fixed salary reached 649,199 USD, an increase of about 9% compared to last year, corresponding to the average salary increase of 339,876 USD. There are currently 131 players receiving at least $1 million/year, compared to 115 last year.
MLS and MLSPA are currently implementing the Fifth Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is valid until the end of the 2027 season. The above data is updated as of May 25, 2025.
