Messi Retains Title as Highest-Paid MLS Player in 2023

Lionel Messi continues to hold the title of the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) with an annual base salary of $25 million, which is approximately $18.5 million more than the second-highest earner. His total guaranteed compensation is reported to be worth $28.3 million.

Messi, who is 38 years old, signed a contract extension with Inter Miami CF in October 2023, further solidifying his status in the league following his arrival in the United States in 2023. The former Tottenham Hotspur FC forward, Son Heung-min, is listed as the league's second-highest earner with a base salary of $11.2 million.

Other notable high earners include Rodrigo De Paul and Hirving Lozano. Messi's financial figures do not include income from endorsements.

Additionally, he has the option to acquire a stake in Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham. Messi has significantly transformed MLS's global profile, scoring 59 goals in 64 regular-season appearances and helping Inter Miami lift the MLS Cup in 2025.