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Sports
May 13, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Messi Doubles MLS Base Salary to $28 Million a Year at Inter Miami

AI Summary
Lionel Messi’s base salary at Inter Miami has been doubled to $25 million, raising his guaranteed compensation to $28.3 million and cementing his status as the highest‑paid MLS player. The increase lifts Miami’s payroll to $54.6 million and pushes league‑wide compensation higher, heralding a new financial era for Major League Soccer.

Messi’s Contract Extension Doubles Base Salary

Lionel Messi remains the highest‑paid player in Major League Soccer after his base salary was increased from $12.5 million to $25 million. The extension, signed in October and running through the 2028 season, guarantees him $28.3 million in total compensation.

Financial Scale of MLS Salaries After Messi’s Deal

  • Next‑highest salary: Son Heung‑min – base $10.36 million, total $11.2 million.
  • Inter Miami payroll: $54.6 million, up from $46.8 million last season.
  • League‑wide guaranteed compensation: $631 million total, average $688,816 (8.9% YoY rise).
  • LAFC payroll: $32.7 million; Philadelphia lowest at $11.7 million.

How Messi’s Pay Reshapes MLS Market and Club Strategies

The disparity between Messi’s earnings and the rest of the league underscores the growing commercial pull of marquee talent. Miami’s payroll now exceeds the second‑largest club by more than $20 million, giving the franchise a financial edge in attracting additional stars and sponsors. The deal also highlights the value of ownership stakes, as Messi’s contract includes an option to acquire equity in the Beckham‑co‑owned club.

What This Means for MLS Growth and Player Compensation

Analysts expect Messi’s salary to act as a catalyst for higher wage benchmarks across MLS, especially as clubs vie for global names. The league’s total compensation rise suggests expanding revenue streams, but smaller‑market teams may face pressure to close the gap or risk talent drain. Continued investment in star players could accelerate MLS’s push toward parity with top European leagues, while also testing the sustainability of salary growth.