Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the fourth consecutive season, earning $28.3 million on his second contract with Inter Miami, according to the latest salary data released by the MLS Players Association. The Argentine superstar's compensation does not include additional revenue from Apple streaming subscriptions or jersey sales through Adidas and Fanatics.
Son Heung-min ranks second with a salary of $11.2 million from Los Angeles FC, while Rodrigo De Paul rounds out the top three at $9.7 million. Messi's earnings are more than double Son's and more than triple De Paul's, making him far and away the league's top earner.
Team Spending Disparities
The salary data highlights significant disparities in spending across the league. Inter Miami pays Messi alone more than the entire roster of some teams. Only Los Angeles FC has another eight-figure earner. The two lowest wage bills belong to Sporting Kansas City ($12.4 million) and the Philadelphia Union ($11.7 million), both of which are the worst-performing teams in their respective conferences.
San Diego FC's first year has been strong, but the club faces a dilemma with Hirving "Chucky" Lozano. The 30-year-old is guaranteed $9.3 million this year without playing a minute, after being benched for behavioral reasons. Sporting director Tyler Heaps publicly stated Lozano would not play again, but the club has not finalized an exit. Lozano's contract runs through 2028.
New Arrivals and Raises
The salary drop reveals data on new players and raises. Thomas Müller's full salary of $5.2 million is disclosed for the first time, as he joined at a lower rate last season. De Paul's half-season loan from Atlético Madrid now appears on the wage bill at a fraction of his full salary.
Timo Werner leads San Jose with $4.3 million, while Josh Sargent earns $5.3 million with Toronto FC. Other notable newcomers include Facundo Torres ($4.4 million, Austin), Germán Berterame ($3.8 million, Miami), Mateusz Bogusz ($2.5 million, Houston), and Morgan Guilavogui ($2.2 million, Real Salt Lake).
James Rodríguez signed a team-friendly half-year deal with Minnesota at an annualized salary of $684,000, making him the ninth top earner at the club. Paul Rothrock earned a raise to $525,000 after free agency, while Cristian Espinoza takes home $2.3 million with Nashville. Robin Lod saw a slight cut to $866,667 with Chicago. DC United added Tai Baribo ($2.4 million) and Louis Munteanu ($1.6 million).
The Opulent XI
The most expensive team MLS can field, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, totals $74,345,334. The lineup includes Roman Bürki (STL, $2.75M), Richie Laryea (TOR, $1.21M), Miles Robinson (CIN, $3.95M), Thiago Martins (NYC, $2.26M), Sergio Reguilón (MIA, $1.8M), Obinna Nwobodo (CIN, $1.85M), Rodrigo De Paul (MIA, $9.69M), Lionel Messi (MIA, $28.33M), Hany Mukhtar (NSH, $5.41M), Son Heung-min (LAFC, $11.15M), and Sam Surridge (NSH, $5.93M). For reference, Burnley's Premier League payroll is projected at $75.1 million.
Spending by Team
Inter Miami commits 76.7% of its payroll to its top three earners, the highest percentage in the league. Philadelphia has the lowest commitment at 23.4%. LAFC has the highest median salary. The biggest wage bill increases from fall 2025 to spring 2026 include San Jose Earthquakes (+42.6%), Toronto FC (+37.3%), and Austin FC (+26.7%). The biggest decreases include Sporting Kansas City (-29.8%) and Portland Timbers (-17.6%).
The Budget XI
The cheapest team, totaling $2,013,188, includes players like Brian Schwake (NSH, $166,800), Frankie Westfield (PHI, $125,285), and veteran Maxi Moralez (NYC, $500,000). Many are young starters or players on reduced wages.
Underperformers
Some players are underperforming relative to their wages. Roman Bürki ($2.75M) has struggled despite being the highest-paid goalkeeper. Miles Robinson ($3.95M) earns twice as much as most center backs. Others include Facundo Mura ($1.03M), Enea Mihaj ($1.56M), and Hirving Lozano ($9.33M).
