The latest MLS salary figures are out, and nobody will be surprised to see Lionel Messi sitting comfortably at the top once again. Since arriving at Inter Miami CF, the Argentine superstar has completely changed the profile of Major League Soccer, and his wages reflect just how valuable he remains to the league.
According to the numbers released by the MLS Players Association, Lionel Messi currently earns guaranteed compensation worth $28.3 million. His base salary alone reportedly jumped significantly compared to last season, creating an enormous gap between him and the rest of the league’s highest earners.
What makes the numbers even crazier is that Lionel Messi continues to justify the hype every single week. Whether it is sold-out stadiums, shirt sales or global attention on MLS, his influence stretches far beyond what happens during matches.
Another huge international name now sits second on the list. Son Heung-min, who joined Los Angeles FC, reportedly earns $11.1 million in guaranteed compensation after making the move to the United States.
Top 5 Highest-Paid MLS Players In 2026: Lionel Messi Leads
- Lionel Messi – $28.3 million
- Son Heung-min – $11.1 million
- Rodrigo De Paul – $9.6 million
- Hirving Lozano – $9.3 million
- Miguel Almirón – $7.9 million
🚨FACT: Messi’s MLS salary is more than double any other player in the entire league
Messi ($28.3M)
Hueng-Min Son (11.1M)
Rodrigo De Paul (9.7M)
Hirving Lozano (9.3M)
Miguel Almirón (7.9M) pic.twitter.com/qIco72VlOB— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) May 12, 2026
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Inter Miami continue to dominate the conversation financially as well, with Rodrigo De Paul also ranking among the league’s biggest earners. The midfielder’s arrival added even more star power to a squad that already attracts massive global attention.
Meanwhile, Hirving Lozano becoming one of the league’s top-paid players underlines how serious MLS clubs are becoming about attracting recognizable international talent. Atlanta United FC also made headlines after bringing back Miguel Almirón following his successful spell in Europe.
A few years ago, MLS was mostly seen as a destination for aging stars nearing retirement. That perception has slowly started changing. Clubs are now spending aggressively on players who can still perform at a very high level while also helping grow the league commercially.
Messi still stands in a league of his own financially, but his impact on American football has arguably been worth every dollar. Every Inter Miami away game feels like a major event, television numbers continue rising and MLS has become impossible for the global football audience to ignore.
Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Wins Ligue 1 Player of the Year Again Ahead Of The FIFA World Cup
