Photo: fcbarcelona.com

Messi’s financial record of $28.3 million salary

Lionel Messi’s record $28.3 million salary for 2026 tops the payrolls of all but two other MLS clubs, highlighting a growing financial disparity in the league.

Aksel Kryhlmand

·

May 13, 2026

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Lionel Messi’s financial impact on Major League Soccer has reached unprecedented levels, with the Argentine superstar set to earn a league-record $28.3 million this year.

This staggering figure, a nearly 40 percent increase from his previous season, was revealed on Tuesday afternoon as the MLSPA (MLS Players Association) released its comprehensive salary data for the 2026 season.

Messi’s individual compensation now eclipses the entire payroll of all but two other MLS clubs, underscoring a widening financial chasm within the league.

Inter Miami’s unprecedented payroll

According to Goal.com, Inter Miami’s total payroll stands at an eye-watering $54.6 million, making them by far the highest spenders in MLS. This sum is a full $20 million more than LAFC, who rank second in overall expenditure.

The South Florida club features prominently among the league’s highest-compensated players, with three individuals making the top list. Beyond Messi’s colossal earnings, the club also pays:

German Berterame: $3.8 million
Rodrigo De Paul: $9.7 million

The MLSPA’s 2026 MLS Salary Guide, which includes data for all players under contract as of April 16, 2026, defines “Annual Average Guaranteed Compensation” as including a player’s base salary, all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the contract (including option years), any marketing bonus, and any agent’s fees. It does not account for performance bonuses.

A league of financial contrasts

While Inter Miami sets a new benchmark for spending, the rest of the league presents a varied financial picture. LAFC’s Son Heung-Min is the second-highest earner in the league, making just over $11 million this year. Other significant individual salaries include:

Chucky Lozano (San Diego): A hair over $9 million
Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United): $7,871,000.00 in Guaranteed Compensation
Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls): $6.0 million
Sam Surridge (Nashville): $5.9 million
Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy): $5.8 million, despite missing the entire season due to a second ACL surgery.

Atlanta United’s total payroll is $27.9 million, with around a quarter of that sum dedicated to Almiron’s compensation. Elsewhere, the Vancouver Whitecaps have catapulted into the top five spenders, largely due to a substantial salary offered to German legend Thomas Muller.

On the other end of the spectrum, several clubs operate with significantly tighter budgets. The Philadelphia Union finished bottom of league expenditure with a total payroll of $11.7 million. Other low spenders include:

Sporting Kansas City: $12.4 million
CF Montreal: $13.4 million
Orlando City: $13.7 million, though their spending is projected to increase with the anticipated summer arrival of Antoine Griezmann on a Designated Player contract.

The latest salary data paints a clear picture of MLS’s evolving financial landscape, where a few marquee signings, particularly Messi, are reshaping club economics and creating unprecedented disparities in player compensation across the league.

Sources: www.goal.com, mlsplayers.org