Messi’s $20.4 Million Salary Outpaces Entire MLS Teams

Lionel Messi’s staggering annual salary of $20.45 million from Inter Miami not only solidifies his position as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer but also surpasses the combined earnings of 25 teams in the league, as per the data disclosed by the MLS Players Association on Thursday. The players’ union routinely reveals the comprehensive payment details across the league, and while it was expected to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leading the pack, the disparity between other players and teams is truly remarkable.

Messi’s total compensation amounts to $20,446,667, comprising a base salary of $12 million in addition to various bonuses. The disclosed figures from the players’ union do not encompass the substantial revenue that the Argentine World Cup champion garners from commercial agreements, endorsements, and sponsorships with renowned brands like Adidas and Apple. In 2017, Messi penned his last contract with the Spanish club Barcelona, a four-year agreement that presented him with the opportunity to earn up to 138 million euros per season, inclusive of salary and additional incentives. Following the conclusion of his contract with Barca, Messi transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, reportedly securing an annual income ranging between 30-35 million euros with the French outfit. Despite joining Miami in July of the previous year on a deal extending until the conclusion of the 2025 season, he may still be receiving remittances from Barca.

Barca’s president, Joan Laporta, disclosed in January 2022 that the club had arranged to disburse deferred salary payments to Messi until 2025. Toronto’s Italian forward Lorenzo Insigne, formerly the highest-paid player in MLS prior to Messi’s arrival, occupied the second spot on the list with a confirmed income of $15.4 million from the Canadian club. Sergio Busquets, Messi’s Spanish compatriot and former Barca midfielder aged 35, secured the third position as the top earner in the league with a guaranteed sum of $8.8 million. Miami’s ex-Barca pair, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and Spanish full-back Jordi Alba, each command an annual salary of $1.5 million. Inter Miami’s overall wage expenditure stands at $41.68 million, with Toronto trailing behind at $31.41 million.

The reigning league champions, the Columbus Crew, recorded a total payroll of $15.19 million, placing them 21st in the league. Messi finds himself among teammates who earn only a fraction of his income, with defender Noah Allen, a regular feature in the matchday squad, receiving a total of $91,383. The average MLS salary for 2024 is $594,390, showcasing a 12.1% increase from the previous year. Miami’s ability to offer Messi such a substantial salary stems from the ‘Designated Player’ rule, initially implemented to facilitate the signing of David Beckham by Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, where he commanded a base salary of $6.5 million annually, culminating in a total package of around $50 million over five years. Although Messi’s earnings are significant within the MLS framework, they pale in comparison to the remuneration received by top performers in other prominent sports leagues in the United States. For instance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow inked a five-year contract last year worth $55 million per season, setting a new league benchmark. Stephen Curry, the highest earner in the NBA representing the Golden State Warriors, commands an annual salary of $51.9 million.

From Songu Michael.