Lionel Messi Remains Highest-Paid MLS Player in 2025 — See Top 5 Earners

Argentine football icon and global superstar Lionel Messi continues to dominate not only on the pitch but also in earnings, maintaining his spot as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the second consecutive year.

According to the latest salary data published by the MLS Players Association, Messi earns an astounding total guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million in 2025. This figure only reflects a portion of the legendary forward’s overall income, as he also enjoys lucrative deals from other commercial and broadcasting agreements.

? Messi’s Full Income Sources Go Beyond Base Salary

While the guaranteed compensation makes headlines, Messi’s total financial package is significantly more substantial. The 36-year-old Inter Miami captain also receives a stream of revenue from his long-standing endorsement partnership with Adidas, in addition to a unique revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, the official broadcast partner of Major League Soccer.

These external income streams substantially increase his earnings. Sportico, a reputable business sports outlet, reported that Messi could earn up to $150 million over the full term of his two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami and MLS, which began in the summer of 2023. Read more from Sportico

? Other Top Earners in MLS 2025

Lionel Messi isn’t the only star commanding big dollars in the league. Here’s a breakdown of the top five highest-paid MLS players in 2025, based on the guaranteed compensation data released by the MLS Players Association:

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1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

• Guaranteed Compensation: $20.45 million
• Additional Income Sources: Adidas sponsorship, Apple TV revenue share
• Club: Inter Miami CF
• Internal Link: All about Messi’s MLS impact

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2. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC)

• Guaranteed Compensation: $15.44 million
• Club: Toronto FC
• Nationality: Italian
• A former Napoli captain and Italian international, Insigne brings European experience and flair to Toronto FC, earning a sizable salary package reflective of his global pedigree.

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3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami)

• Guaranteed Compensation: $8.5 million
• Club: Inter Miami CF
• Busquets, a former FC Barcelona and Spain national team legend, joined Inter Miami alongside Messi, making a seamless transition to the MLS.

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4. Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United)

• Guaranteed Compensation: $7.87 million
• Club: Atlanta United
• After a stint in the English Premier League with Newcastle United, Almirón returned to MLS with a big-money deal.

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5. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano (San Diego FC)

• Guaranteed Compensation: $7.63 million
• Club: San Diego FC
• The Mexican forward and former Napoli star brings flair and excitement to San Diego FC’s debut season in MLS.

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These salaries reflect the growing global appeal and investment in Major League Soccer, especially with top-tier talents making the switch from European leagues to the U.S.-based competition.

? MLS Grows as a Global Football Destination

With these marquee signings and competitive salary offers, MLS is becoming a lucrative alternative to Europe’s elite leagues, attracting not only aging superstars but also players in their prime. Lionel Messi’s arrival has particularly triggered a new wave of interest and investment in the league, making the U.S. a serious player on the global football stage