Lionel Messi has begun a revolution since his arrival at Inter Miami, breaking Main League Soccer’s broadcasting and contract information. With the Argentine ace as soon as once more topping the league’s wage listing, many followers are questioning the place current star arrivals Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller stand.
The MLS Gamers Affiliation (MLSPA) has launched its 2025 Wage Information on Wednesday, October twenty ninth, outlining every participant’s compensation throughout the league. The report contains all gamers beneath contract as of October 1, 2025, itemizing each their annualized base wage (which incorporates assured bonuses) and their whole assured compensation, which additionally components in advertising offers and agent charges.
On the prime of the rating, Lionel Messi comfortably leads because the highest-paid participant in MLS, incomes $20,446,667 in assured compensation for 2025. The Inter Miami star can also be positioned because the participant with the most important base wage, incomes $12 million per 12 months.
It’s value noting that Messi’s current contract extension with Inter Miami isn’t mirrored on this report because of the October cutoff date. Nonetheless, together with his new deal extending his staying till 2028, it’s secure to imagine the Argentine legend will stay the league’s prime earner, except one other main famous person arrives.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF acknowledges the followers.
The place do Son and Müller rank?
Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller had been among the many greatest names to hitch MLS through the 2025 summer season switch window. The South Korean ahead accomplished a league-record $26 million transfer to LAFC, whereas Müller signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent after ending his lengthy tenure at Bayern Munich.
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Lionel Messi outdone in MLS as soon as once more: Thomas Muller breaks Inter Miami star’s mark in report time
Within the newest Wage Information, Son ranks second general, with a complete assured compensation of $11,152,852. In addition to, he’s the one different participant in MLS alongside Lionel Messi to earn greater than $10 million yearly, with a base wage of $10,368,750.
Müller’s case is a unique story. Regardless of being the clear star of the Whitecaps, who’ve received simply considered one of 12 video games since his debut, the German midfielder ranks eightieth within the league’s wage listing. His assured compensation sits at $1,436,956, with a base wage of $1,284,456.
That is largely as a result of Müller doesn’t occupy a Designated Participant (DP) slot in Vancouver’s roster, as an alternative registering as a global participant. That’s anticipated to alter subsequent season, as his present deal, which expires in December 2025, contains an choice to convert right into a DP contract for 2026, which might considerably increase his wage.
Prime 10 highest earners in MLS
Taking assured compensation under consideration, the next gamers rank because the prime 10 earners within the 2025 MLSPA Wage Information:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $20,446,667
- Heung-min Son (LAFC): $11,152,852
- Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami): $8,774,996
- Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United): $7,871,000
- Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC): $7,633,333
- Emil Forsberg (New York Pink Bulls): $6,035,625
- Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): $6,000,000
- Ricard Puig Martí (LA Galaxy): $5,779,688
- Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fireplace): $5,581,806
- Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC): $5,311,667
