MLS Salary Report: Messi and Son Lead the League in Earnings

LAFC's Son Heung-Min and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi are the only two MLS players earning over $10 million annually. Son's guaranteed compensation is $11.2 million, while Messi tops the list with $20.4 million. The MLS Players Association released the salary data, revealing Messi's earnings include his playing salary, endorsement deals, and revenue sharing agreements. Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, while Son's contract with LAFC runs through 2027, with possible extensions to 2029.

The top five earners in MLS include Messi's teammate Sergio Busquets at $8.8 million, Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón at $6.1 million, and San Diego's Hirving Lozano at $6 million. Miami leads in total team spending, reaching a record $48.97 million, with LAFC following at $30.1 million. The average team spending in MLS has increased by 7% compared to the previous year, with the median spend per team rising by 8%.

Inter Miami's spending is more than double that of most MLS teams, with CF Montreal having the lowest payroll at $12.92 million. The average guaranteed base compensation for all MLS players has increased to $632,809, with the median guaranteed base compensation at $338,347. The league's Collective Bargaining Agreement runs through the end of the 2027 season, with continued growth in player salaries and team spending.