Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi’s annual base salary was revealed at $25 million, retaining his status as the highest-paid MLS player
- Son Heung-min ranks second, with a base salary of $10.36 million and overall guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million
- The MLS Players Association listed total league compensation at $631 million, marking an 8.9% increase since last October
MLS Salary Overview
According to figures released by the MLS Players Association on Tuesday, Lionel Messi continues to command the highest salary in Major League Soccer, with an annual base amounting to $25 million. This figure is more than double that of Son Heung-min, who is the next highest earner in the league.
The newly published salary report reflects Messi’s contractual extension signed with Inter Miami in October, which secures his stay at the Florida-based club until the end of the 2028 season. With this deal, Messi’s base income has doubled, bringing his total guaranteed compensation to $28.3 million.
💰 Highest-Paid Players in MLS 2026 (Guaranteed Compensation)
1. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi — $28,333,333
2. 🇰🇷 Son Heung-min — $11,152,852
3. 🇦🇷 Rodrigo De Paul — $9,688,320
4. 🇲🇽 Hirving Lozano — $9,333,333
5. 🇵🇾 Miguel Almirón — $7,871,000
6. 🇸🇪 Emil Forsberg — $6,035,625
7.… pic.twitter.com/WwdtXiSLu0— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) May 12, 2026
Further Details and Notable Exclusions
South Korean international Son Heung-min, who completed a move to Los Angeles FC last August for a reported record $26 million MLS transfer fee, currently receives a base salary of $10.36 million, with his compensation totalling $11.2 million.
The disclosed salary figures exclude income gained through endorsement arrangements. Additionally, Messi’s guaranteed compensation does not take into account his option to purchase a stake in Inter Miami – a club co-owned by David Beckham – which he joined in 2023.
Player Achievements and League-Wide Stats
Now aged 38, Messi is set to lead Argentina as they defend their World Cup title next month. In 64 MLS regular-season appearances for Miami, Messi has netted 59 goals, led the league with 29 goals last campaign, and earned the Most Valuable Player accolade for a second consecutive year.
Fellow Inter Miami and Argentina player Rodrigo De Paul features third on the salary list, with $9.7 million in guaranteed compensation. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano of Mexico ranks fourth at $9.3 million, even though he has not played for San Diego since November. Atlanta’s Miguel Almiron completes the top five, receiving $7.9 million in guaranteed pay.
In aggregate, the league’s total compensation is reported at $631 million, with average guaranteed compensation at $688,816 – reflecting an 8.9% increase compared to data published last October.
