Revealed: Lionel Messi Earning More Than Entire Payroll Of 25 MLS Clubs

The Argentina icon, Lionel Messi is earning more at Inter Miami than the entire payroll of 25 MLS clubs, with the full cost of acquiring the Argentine ace being revealed.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent over the summer, completing a shock move to the United States. After 10 years of behind-the-scenes work, that agreement was made possible with the assistance of Manchester United and England icon David Beckham, who is now a co-owner in Florida.

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Messi established himself right away in the United States, assisting Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup victory, and finished the 2023 season with 11 goals in 14 matches. His appearances in MLS and domestic cup games have drawn A-listers, and everytime he plays, ticket prices jump.

Messi not only contributes to a lot of money but also receives a hefty financial return. The 2023 MLS players salary guide has revealed that the legendary player earns a $12 million (£10 million) base salary with a guaranteed compensation of more than $20 million (£16 million), making him the highest-paid player in the league. He also reportedly earns between $50 million (£41 million) and $60 million (£49 million) from deals with the MLS and Apple TV. The 36-year-old’s reported salary of $135 million (£110 million) overall surpasses that of competing companies.

Currently, only four MLS teams—Inter Miami, Toronto FC, LA Galaxy, and LAFC—have payrolls that are greater than Messi’s alone. Despite receiving eye-popping offers from the Middle East, the World Cup winner has insisted that he did not relocate to the United States for financial gain. He stated this upon his arrival in Florida: “My decision went through many things, we thought about it with my wife, my children were also part of the decision, the family in general. I simply came to play and love football, as I have my entire life. Above all else, I selected [Miami], and I’m pleased with the choice we made.