Lionel Messi continues to maintain his status as Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player, according to the latest earnings report from the MLS Players Association, which was released Wednesday. Messi’s earnings are unchanged from the spring, featuring a base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation totaling $20.45 million.
Joining Messi in the elite eight-figure club is Son Heung-Min, a South Korean forward who impressed after transferring to Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur in August. Son’s earnings put him second on the list, with a base salary of $10.37 million and total guaranteed compensation of $11.15 million. He replaces Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC, who departed MLS in July, concluding a contract that was worth $7.5 million in base salary and $15.4 million overall.
While no other recent acquisitions made it into the top 10 earnings, several notable players have joined the league, including Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, with an annualized compensation of $3.62 million; Colorado Rapids midfielder Paxten Aaronson at $2.23 million; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Thomas Müller, who earns $1.44 million; and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner at $1.94 million.
Guaranteed compensation covers base salary plus all signing and guaranteed bonuses, averaging out over the contract’s duration, excluding performance bonuses that are given in the offseason.
Messi’s earnings details will shift in the coming season, following his recent signing of a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, although the terms remain undisclosed. He is currently the highest-paid player in MLS history and is a strong contender for a second consecutive MVP trophy this fall. Miami has advanced to the playoffs, currently seeded No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, having secured a victory in the first match of their best-of-three series against Nashville SC.
Son Heung-Min had an impressive impact this season, recording nine goals and three assists over 10 regular-season games prior to his playoff debut against Austin FC. Meanwhile, Müller has made a significant contribution for the Vancouver Whitecaps with seven goals and three assists in just seven regular-season appearances, scoring in their playoff opener against FC Dallas.
The earnings list reflects the competitive nature of MLS, despite challenges, as the league continues to attract top talent from around the world. With Messi leading the charge, and new players making waves, the future of soccer in the United States promises excitement and growth. Additionally, domestic players are also making their mark, with Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez, Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman, and Toronto’s Djordje Mihailovic being the highest-paid American players on the list.