Photo by Inter Miami CF/MLS via Getty Images

Lionel Messi vs Son Heung-Min: Who Tops MLS Salary List?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 10:12 PM ET

Lionel Messi is without a doubt the biggest star in MLS, but since the Argentine arrived in the United States, other important players have also done it.

One example is Son Heung-Min, a South Korean player who joined Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur for around $25.5 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Son, 33, quickly made an impact, as since arriving at the Californian club, he has played 10 games and has recorded nine goals and two assists. More goal contributions than games.

With Son being a superstar, and considering that MLS has a controlled salary cap, the question has arisen of who has a higher salary, him or Messi, 38.

Heung Min Son of the Los Angeles Football Club plays the Colorado Rapids in the first half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Lionel Messi vs Son Heung-Min Salaries Compared As MLS Release Full Salary List

According to Fox Sports, the Argentine star has a base salary of $12 million that rises to $20.4 million considering other compensations with Inter Miami.

On the other hand, second place belongs to Son, who earns $10.36 million per year at LAFC.

The list places Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami, $8.49m) in third place, Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United, $6.056m) fourth, Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC, $6m) fifth, Emil Forsberg (NY Red Bulls, $5.4m - $6.035m with guaranteed compensations) sixth, Jordi Alba (Inter Miami, $6m) seventh, Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy, $5.125m) eighth, Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire, $5m) ninth and Hany Mukthar (Nashville SC, $3.9m) in tenth place.

Player	Club	Base Salary	Guaranteed Compensation
Lionel Messi	Inter Miami	$12,000,000	$20,446,667
Son Heung-min	LAFC	$10,368,750	$11,152,852
Sergio Busquets	Inter Miami	$8,499,996	$8,774,996
Miguel Almirón	Atlanta United	$6,056,000	$7,871,000
Hirving Lozano	San Diego FC	$6,000,000	$7,633,333
Emil Forsberg	New York Red Bulls	$5,405,000	$6,035,625
Jordi Alba	Inter Miami	$6,000,000	$6,000,000
Riqui Puig	LA Galaxy	$5,125,000	$5,779,688
Jonathan Bamba	Chicago Fire	$5,000,000	$5,581,806
Hany Mukhtar	Nashville SC	$3,900,000	$5,311,667
Christian Benteke	DC United	$4,500,000	$4,937,500