Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami, has become the highest-paid player in MLS for 2025. The MLS Players Association released salary data for all league players with active contracts as of May 2025.
The report includes base salary and average guaranteed compensation, accounting for both base income and various bonuses throughout the contract period.
The 38-year-old Argentinian has a base salary of $12 million, and with guaranteed bonuses, his total earnings reach $20.44 million, making him the leader in both categories.
In second place is Lorenzo Insigne, a European champion with the Italian national team and player for Toronto FC, with a salary of $15.4 million. Rounding out the top three is Messi's Inter Miami teammate, Sergio Busquets, with earnings of $8.4 million.
Messi has been playing for Miami since July 2023. He has appeared in 62 matches for the club, scoring 50 goals and providing 24 assists.
