Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi continues to lead Major League Soccer (MLS) in player salaries. For the 2026 season, Messi has a guaranteed compensation of $28.33 million, a significant increase from $20.45 million in 2025.
Messi’s Contract and Earnings
Messi’s recent salary raise marks the third consecutive year he tops the MLS salary list. His total income, including endorsements, is estimated between $70 million and $80 million annually, as reported by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. Messi signed a contract extension last October that will keep him with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season. Additionally, he is expected to acquire an equity stake in the club at the end of his playing career.
Top MLS Salaries for 2026
The list of high earners in MLS includes:
- 2. Son Heung-min (LAFC) – $11.15 million
- 3. Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) – $9.6 million
- 4. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano (San Diego FC) – $9.33 million
- 5. Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United) – $7.87 million
Team Compensation Rankings
Inter Miami continues to dominate in total guaranteed player compensation. The team’s expenditures stand at $54.57 million, surpassing last year’s record by $7.7 million. This amount is significantly higher than that of all but two other teams in the league:
| Rank | Team | Total Guaranteed Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Miami | $54.57 million |
| 2 | LAFC | $32.65 million |
| 3 | Atlanta United | $27.88 million |
| 4 | LA Galaxy | $26.43 million |
| 5 | Vancouver Whitecaps | $24.56 million |
League Average Compensation and Updates
The average guaranteed compensation for MLS players has risen to $688,816, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. The median salary also saw a 3.6% increase, now sitting at $352,104. This season, 133 players have guaranteed compensation exceeding $1 million, up from 131 last year.
The MLS Players Association and the league are currently in the sixth year of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which lasts until the end of the 2027 season. However, potential adjustments may arise as MLS shifts to a summer/spring calendar starting next year.
Lowest Spenders in MLS
On the other end of the spectrum, the Philadelphia Union are the lowest spenders with a total compensation of $11.70 million. The teams with the lowest expenditures are:
- Sporting Kansas City – $12.36 million
- CF Montreal – $13.42 million
- Orlando City – $13.73 million
- Colorado Rapids – $14.13 million
