BETHESDA, Md. — Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami, has made headlines by earning more than the combined payrolls of 22 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Additionally, Olivier Giroud has secured a total annual compensation of $3,675,000 after signing with Los Angeles FC in July.
The Major League Soccer Players Association published its latest salary update on Thursday. Messi’s salary structure remains unchanged since the initial report in May, where he is observed to have a base salary of $12 million and total compensation reaching $20,446,667 from Inter Miami.
This total accounts for contracted payments under Messi’s MLS agreement, which is effective until the end of the 2025 season. It includes any marketing bonuses and representation fees, but does not cover supplementary contracts with the team or additional performance-based bonuses.
Inter Miami, crowned the league’s Supporters Shield champion, holds the distinction of having the highest payroll in MLS history at an astounding $41.7 million. This figure significantly surpasses that of all but four other teams, including Toronto at $31.8 million, Los Angeles FC at $22.1 million, LA Galaxy at $22 million, and Nashville at $21.9 million.
Both Cincinnati and Houston have reported player payrolls totaling more than Messi’s earnings, sitting at $21 million and $20.5 million, respectively. In contrast, payrolls for teams such as Montreal ($11.4 million), Philadelphia ($13.8 million), and Dallas ($13.9 million) are among the lowest in the league.
Giroud, who is 38 and recently transferred to LA on a free deal from AC Milan, will earn a salary of $2.8 million beginning in 2024. Meanwhile, Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets ranks second in salary within the league at $8,499,996, with his total compensation amounting to $8,774,996. Toronto’s winger Lorenzo Insigne follows closely behind, with a salary of $7.5 million and total compensation of $15.4 million.
Recently, other significant player acquisitions in MLS during the summer transfer window included Houston forward Ezequiel Ponce ($2.56 million salary, $2,822,200 total compensation), St. Louis midfielder Marcel Hartel ($1,797,600 salary, $2,183,113 total compensation), and Atlanta’s Alexey Miranchuk ($2.4 million salary, $3,685,441 total compensation).
Furthermore, various American players returning to MLS include Colorado’s Reggie Cannon ($750,000 salary, $841,500 total compensation) and Charlotte’s Tim Ream ($500,000 salary, $577,500 total compensation). Former New England forward Jozy Altidore is currently listed as an MLS pool player, with compensation figures showing a salary of $1,683,750 and total pay of $2,242,574. Meanwhile, Michael Bradley, previously of Toronto, has been marked as retired but still receives a salary of $725,000.