Lionel Messi remains highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for 2026

Data released by the Major League Soccer (MLS) Players Association indicates that 38-year-old Lionel Messi has significantly increased his earnings since joining Inter Miami. In 2026, Messi's base salary rose to $25 million, with his total guaranteed compensation exceeding $28.3 million, or approximately 24.3 million euros. This figure marks an increase from his 2023 base salary of $12 million and total guaranteed compensation of $20.5 million. Messi, who signed a contract extension in October 2028, led Inter Miami to their first league title in 2025 with 29 goals and 19 assists. These figures represent guaranteed income and exclude individual commercial endorsements. Other top earners in the league include Son Heung-min of Los Angeles at over $11 million and Rodrigo De Paul at $9.6 million. Additionally, Thomas Muller of the Vancouver Whitecaps receives over $5.1 million.