MLS Salary Report: Lionel Messi Tops List as Highest-Paid Player for Third Year Running
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi continues to hold the title of Major League Soccer's highest-paid player for the third consecutive year, with a significant increase in his total guaranteed compensation this season. Messi's earnings have risen to $28.33 million, up from $20.45 million in 2025, reflecting only his playing salary. The star player signed a contract extension through the 2028 season last October and is reported to have a total income of $70-$80 million annually, with plans to acquire an equity stake in the club upon retirement.
Following Messi, LAFC forward Son Heung-min ranks second in guaranteed compensation at $11.15 million, with Messi's Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul close behind at $9.6 million. Despite not playing this season, San Diego forward Hirving "Chucky" Lozano holds the fourth spot at $9.33 million, while Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón rounds out the top five with $7.87 million in earnings. Inter Miami leads the league in total guaranteed compensation per team at $54.57 million, surpassing last year's record by $7.7 million.
The MLS Players Association's data release also highlights the league's lowest spenders, with the Philadelphia Union at $11.70 million, followed by Sporting Kansas City, CF Montreal, Orlando City, and the Colorado Rapids. The average guaranteed compensation for all players has increased to $688,816, with 133 players earning at least $1 million. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement, in its sixth year, is set to run through the end of the 2027 season, with potential adjustments as MLS transitions to a summer/spring calendar in the coming years.