Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer history, with his 2026 compensation package surpassing $50 million when including his base salary, guaranteed bonuses, and endorsement deals tied directly to his Inter Miami contract. The league’s latest salary figures, released by the MLS Players Association, confirm that the global icon’s earnings dwarf those of every other player in the league, solidifying his status as both its marquee attraction and its most expensive asset. Behind Messi, the list of top earners features a mix of established international stars and high-profile Designated Players.
Son Heung-Min secures the second spot, following his high-profile move to LAFC in the winter transfer window, with a guaranteed annual salary reported at approximately $12 million. The South Korean captain’s arrival has immediately given the league another box-office draw. Third on the list is Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who continues to cash in on his guaranteed contract with the San Diego Loyal, earning just over $10 million per year as one of the new franchise’s foundational pieces. The top ten also includes veterans like Lorenzo Insigne, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, all of whom command salaries north of $6 million.
These staggering wage figures underscore MLS’s ongoing strategy of investing heavily in veteran talent to boost global visibility and on-field quality. While the salary gap between the top earners and the league minimum—which sits just above $100,000—remains vast, the league’s financial structure continues to allow a small group of superstars to earn generational wealth. For clubs, these high costs represent a calculated bet that star power will translate into ticket sales, jersey revenue, and increased viewership, a bet that, in the case of Messi’s Inter Miami at least, has paid off handsomely.