Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the third straight year with total annual compensation of 20,446,667, greater than the entire payroll of 21 teams.
Messi's base compensation is 12 million, the Major League Soccer Players Association said Wednesday.
His figures cover his MLS deal, which runs through the 2025 season, including any marketing bonus and agent's fees. They do not account for any additional agreements with the team or its affiliates, or for any performance bonuses.
The average guaranteed compensation of 649,120 was up 9.2 from 594,389 in May 2024.
Messi's Inter Miami topped the league with a record 46.8 million payroll as of May 23, up from 41.7 million at the end of last season. Miami's payroll was double that of all teams other than Toronto 34.1 million and Atlanta 27.6 million.