MLS Reveals Lionel Messi’s Salary

Lionel Messi once again tops the charts as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player for the 2025 season in a move that surprised absolutely no one. According to official figures released by the MLS Players Association, Messi is making a staggering $20.45 million in total compensation this year. It is a number that not only reinforces his stature as the league’s biggest draw but also puts into perspective just how far MLS has come in terms of spending power and global relevance.

Messi’s paycheck consists of a base salary reported to be around $12 million, with the remainder made up through performance bonuses and various contractual perks. He earns more than the entire payroll of 21 MLS teams. A fact that is mind-blowing and represents what a global superstar he is.

Inter Miami, his club since mid-2023, is pulling no punches when it comes to building a star-studded product, and Messi is firmly at the center of it all, both on the pitch and in the balance sheets. While Messi remains the face of the MLS era defined by superstar arrivals, this year’s salary list is a reminder that the Argentine isn’t the only big earner in town anymore.

The Return Of Old Faces and The Rise Of New Names

Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne is the second-highest-paid player in MLS this year, with $15.4 million in total guaranteed compensation. That figure mirrors his earnings from last season and continues to raise eyebrows, especially considering Toronto’s lack of silverware since his arrival. Just behind him is Sergio Busquets, Messi’s longtime Barcelona teammate turned Inter Miami midfield anchor, pulling in $8.775 million. The two represent Miami’s clear plan. Surround the Argentine with familiar talent and let the chemistry flow.

But it is the next two names that really shake things up. Miguel Almirón, once the darling of Atlanta United before making a high-profile leap to the Premier League with Newcastle United, is back in Georgia and back among the top earners. Almirón is making $7.871 million in his return season, a signal of Atlanta’s desire to reclaim its identity and return to contender status. Fans in the South will be expecting magic from their former star, and his paycheck suggests the front office believes he can still deliver.

Joining him in the top five is Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who’s now the face of MLS newcomers San Diego FC. Lozano is raking in $7.633 million for the 2025 campaign, making him the league’s highest-paid debutant this season. The signing of Chucky signals intent from San Diego, who are stepping into the league with ambition that matches their sun-drenched branding. For a club that hasn’t played an MLS match until this year, betting big on a proven international name could either be a masterstroke or a costly gamble.

Elsewhere on the list, familiar European names still pull weight. Federico Bernardeschi is earning $6.295 million at Toronto, while Emil Forsberg, now suiting up for the New York Red Bulls, brings in $6.035 million. Jordi Alba, another Barcelona veteran and Messi confidant, is earning an even $6 million with Inter Miami. Then there is Riqui Puig, the LA Galaxy’s bright Spanish midfielder, collecting $5.779 million, and Chicago Fire’s Jonathan Bamba rounding out the top ten at $5.581 million.

MLS and the Money Boom

This amount of big-money signings is more than just a roster update. It is a statement of intent. MLS, once seen as a retirement home for aging stars, is evolving into a financially competitive destination capable of luring players still very much in their primes. Clubs are spending more than ever, and the top-tier talent coming in reflects that.

Inter Miami, unsurprisingly, leads the way with a jaw-dropping $46.8 million payroll, more than double that of most other clubs. Toronto FC and Atlanta United follow, with team wage bills of $34 million and $27.6 million, respectively. The Designated Player rule continues to give teams the flexibility to break traditional salary caps for marquee names, and in 2025, the league boasts 68 active DPs.

High salaries also come with high expectations. These players are not just being paid to show up, they are being paid to win, to lead, and to sell the sport to a wider audience. Whether it’s Messi lifting trophies, Lozano helping establish a new franchise, or Almirón reigniting Atlanta’s playoff fire, the pressure is immediate and intense. 

Final Thoughts

The MLS salary report for 2025 is a reflection of a league entering a bold new phase. With Messi earning a record-setting $20.45 million, the financial ceiling has been shattered. But perhaps more intriguing is the resurgence of familiar faces, the rise of new markets like San Diego, and a sense that MLS is no longer shy about flexing its money. The league is banking on star power to elevate its competitiveness and global image. The next challenge? Making sure all that investment turns into results. In the modern MLS, big contracts come with big stakes.