Lionel Messi has more than doubled his base salary to $25 million under his new contract with Inter Miami, cementing his status as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player by a staggering margin. The Argentine superstar’s total compensation package, which includes guaranteed payments and bonuses, now reaches $28 million for the 2025 season. That figure is more than twice the earnings of any other player in the league, underscoring the financial impact and global attention Messi has brought since his arrival in South Florida. The contract represents a significant increase from his previous deal, reflecting both his on-field production and the commercial value he generates for the club and the league.
Messi’s compensation dwarfs the rest of the MLS salary landscape. The next highest-paid player, whose identity was not disclosed in the official release, falls well short of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s total earnings. This disparity highlights the unique market forces at play: while MLS has invested heavily in raising the league’s profile through marquee signings, no other player comes close to commanding Messi’s level of compensation. The contract also places him among the top earners in global soccer, even as the league maintains its strict salary budget rules for most other players.
The new deal ensures Messi will remain a centerpiece of Inter Miami’s ambitious project. Since joining in 2023, he has transformed the club from a bottom-tier side into a competitive force, while driving record attendance and viewership across MLS. His presence has also sparked a surge in jersey sales and sponsorship interest. For the league, keeping Messi under contract for the foreseeable future is seen as vital to sustaining its recent momentum. The financial commitment, while immense, is widely viewed within MLS circles as a worthwhile investment in the league’s continued growth and global credibility.