Inter Miami’s superstar and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi continues to dominate Major League Soccer’s salary rankings, with Los Angeles FC’s new arrival Son Heung-min securing the second spot, according to the latest figures released on Wednesday.
Messi’s $20.4 million annual guaranteed salary keeps him comfortably ahead of all other players in the league. The amount excludes his extensive endorsement deals and commercial bonuses, which form a significant part of his overall income since joining Inter Miami in mid-2023. His current contract runs through December, with a three-year extension set to begin next season — the financial details of which remain undisclosed.
The 38-year-old Argentine captain recently finished as the top scorer of the MLS regular season, netting 29 goals in 28 matches, and is the frontrunner to retain the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
According to the MLS Players Association’s salary report, South Korea’s Son Heung-min is second on the list, earning $11.1 million per year under his contract with LAFC. The former Tottenham Hotspur captain joined the club in August in what became the most expensive transfer in MLS history, reportedly valued at $26 million.
Son has made an instant impact, scoring nine goals in 10 matches and helping LAFC advance to the MLS Cup playoffs.
In third place sits Sergio Busquets ($8.7 million), Messi’s Inter Miami teammate, who is set to retire at the end of the season. Miguel Almirón ($7.8 million) of Atlanta United and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano ($7.6 million) of San Diego FC round out the top five earners.
