MLS Salary Figures Revealed: Messi Leads the Way
Milan’s Lionel Messi Earns the Highest Annualized Total Compensation of $27,446,667
Bethesda, Md. (AP) — The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) has released its latest salary update, revealing that Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi earns more than the entire payrolls of 22 other Major League Soccer teams.
Highest-Paid Players in MLS
According to the report, Messi’s $12 million base salary and $20,446,667 in total compensation remain the same as in the initial listing in May and cover what he receives from his MLS deal, including any marketing bonus and agent’s fees. They do not account for any additional agreements with the team or its affiliates, or for any performance bonuses. Miami, the league’s regular-season Supporters Shield champion, led the league with a record $41.7 million payroll, double all but Toronto, Los Angeles FC, the LA Galaxy, and Nashville.
Other Notable MLS Signings
Olivier Giroud, a 38-year-old striker, joined LA in July on a free transfer from AC Milan, with a $2.8 million annualized salary for 2024. Other notable players who joined MLS during the summer transfer window include Houston forward Ezequiel Ponce ($2.56 million salary, $2,822,200 total compensation), St. Louis midfielder Marcel Hartel ($1,797,600, $2,183,113), and Atlanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk ($2.4 million, $3,685,441).
Lowest-Paid Teams
Montreal, Philadelphia, and Dallas are among the lowest payrolls in the league, with respective annualized total compensation of $11.4 million, $13.8 million, and $13.9 million.
Conclusion
The MLS Salary Report provides a snapshot of the league’s financial landscape, highlighting the significant investment in talent made by teams throughout the league. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how these figures change in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which team has the highest payroll in MLS?
A: Inter Miami has the highest payroll in MLS, with a record $41.7 million.
Q: Who is the highest-paid player in MLS?
A: Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS, with an annualized total compensation of $27,446,667.
Q: Who are some of the notable players who joined MLS during the summer transfer window?
A: Notable players who joined MLS during the summer transfer window include Ezequiel Ponce, Marcel Hartel, Alexey Miranchuk, and Diogo Gonçalves, among others.
