Messi receives a "king" salary, higher than 21 clubs in MLS

(Dan Tri) - According to the latest data from the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), Messi has become the highest paid player in the league, more than the total salary budget of 21 clubs.

Recently, MLSPA has just announced the salary fund of the clubs competing in the US Major League Soccer (MLS). Among them, Messi is the player receiving the "king" salary of 20.45 million USD per year, far surpassing the rest of the league.

Notably, Messi alone receives a salary higher than the salary fund of 21/30 clubs in the highest league in the US.

Messi receives the highest salary in MLS (Photo: Reuters).

However, it should be added that this is only the fixed salary that Messi receives from Inter Miami. The Argentine player also earns tens of millions of dollars from a sponsorship contract with Adidas sports company as well as a share of profits from Apple, the owner of the MLS television rights.

According to estimates by the American press, Messi could earn $150 million in two and a half years playing for Inter Miami.

Although this is the "king" income in the US, Messi still receives a salary far less than C. Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese striker earns up to 200 million euros (234 million USD) per year when playing for Al Nassr. This amount includes salary, bonuses as well as promoting the country of Saudi Arabia.

Top 10 highest paid players in MLS (Photo: The Sun).

The second highest earner in MLS is Toronto striker Lorenzo Insigne with $15.44 million a year, followed by Sergio Busquets (Messi's teammate at Inter Miami) with $8.5 million a year.

Inter Miami leads the league with a total payroll of $46.84 million, far surpassing the rest of the league. Following them are Toronto FC ($34.15 million) and Atlanta United ($27.63 million).

MLSPA figures also show that the average MLS player salary is rising. The average MLS player earns $649,199, up about 9% from last year. There are now 131 players earning at least $1 million a year, compared to 115 last year.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/messi-nhan-muc-luong-ong-hoang-cao-hon-21-clb-o-giai-mls-20250626193715528.htm