LAFC’s Son Heung-min has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a spot among the highest-paid players in MLS. He ranks second, following Lionel Messi, with an impressive annual salary of $11.2 million.
Salary Rankings in MLS
According to the latest data from the MLS Players Association, Son is now one of only two players in the league earning over $10 million. Messi leads the ranking with a staggering salary of $20.4 million. This information was made public on October 29, 2025.
Contract Details
Son Heung-min joined LAFC during the summer transfer window, where his contract is set to run through 2027, with options to extend until 2029. In contrast, Messi recently renewed his contract with Inter Miami, ensuring his presence in South Florida until 2028. Messi also holds the title of Golden Boot winner, having scored 29 goals in just 28 games this season.
Top Earners in MLS
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $20.4 million
- Son Heung-min (LAFC) – $11.2 million
- Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) – $8.8 million
- Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United) – $6.1 million
- Hirving Lozano (San Diego) – $6 million
Team Spending Overview
Inter Miami leads the league in total team spending, with a record outlay of $48.97 million. This significant figure is largely attributed to the midseason acquisition of Rodrigo DePaul. Despite this, Miami missed out on winning the Supporters’ Shield, a trophy awarded to the team with the best regular season record, which was claimed by the Philadelphia Union.
LAFC ranks second in total spending with $30.1 million. Here are the team payrolls for some MLS clubs:
| Team | Total Payroll |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | $48.97 million |
| LAFC | $30.1 million |
| Atlanta United | $28.48 million |
| FC Cincinnati | $23.19 million |
| Chicago Fire | $23.11 million |
Impact on the League
The average team spending in MLS has increased to $19.69 million, marking a 7% rise from $18.41 million in the previous year. The median spending per team has also climbed to $18.01 million, up 8% from last year.
Toronto FC saw the most significant decline in spending, dropping from $31.81 million in 2024 to just $13.65 million in 2025, largely due to the departure of key players.
As the league continues to evolve, the financial landscape reflects a growing investment in talent and an increasing commitment to competitive play.
