In 2025, Messi is the highest-paid player with a guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million, per the MLS Players Association. Along with Messi, here's a look at the highest-paid MLS players in 2025 in terms of guaranteed compensation:

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the third straight year with total annual compensation of $20.4 million, greater than the entire payroll of 21 teams.

Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami)'s salary has been revealed.Sports media ESPN and the British Guardian reported on the 26th (Korea time) the 2025 salary of the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS).Messi will receive a total of $20.