Lionel Messi continues to eclipse every MLS paycheck, earning a base salary of $25 million (£18.5 million) for Inter Miami. The figure, released by the MLS Players Association, tops the league by more than double the next highest earner. At 38, the Argentine forward signed an extension in October that pushes his guaranteed compensation to $28.3 million (£20.9 million). His marketability fuels global interest and sets a new benchmark.

Son Heung‑min of LAFC sits firmly in second place with a $10.4 million (£7.7 million) base and $11.2 million (£8.3 million) guaranteed total, edging out fellow internationals Rodrigo de Paul and Hirving Lozano. Those salaries exclude endorsement income or Messi’s optional equity stake in the franchise, which David Beckham co‑owns. Their earnings reflect MLS’s growing financial clout but still lag far behind the Argentine icon.

Since arriving in 2023, Messi has netted 59 goals in 64 regular‑season matches, steering Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup and topping the scoring chart with 29 goals last season. His back‑to‑back MVP awards underline a dominance that shapes league narratives and ticket sales alike, cementing his status as the league’s marquee draw. The ripple extends to sponsors, broadcasters and youth academies continentally.