Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has sent shockwaves through the league, propelling payrolls to unprecedented heights and redefining the financial landscape of American soccer.
Unveiling the Millionaires’ Club: MLS’s Highest-Paid Players
At the pinnacle of MLS’s financial might stands Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro whose $20,446,667 annual compensation dwarfs the entire payrolls of 21 out of the 30 teams in the league. Messi’s base salary of $12 million, coupled with his lucrative contract with Inter Miami through 2025, has cemented his status as the highest-paid player in MLS for three consecutive years. Joining Messi in the millionaires’ club are Toronto winger Lorenzo Insigne ($15.4 million), Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets ($8,774,996), and Atlanta winger Miguel Almirón ($7,871,000), among others, reflecting the league’s growing financial might and its ability to attract global superstars.
Payroll Powerhouses: Ranking MLS Teams by Financial Might
Inter Miami’s record-breaking $46.8 million payroll as of May 23, 2025, a staggering increase from $41.7 million at the end of the previous season, has propelled the club to the top of the MLS financial hierarchy. Toronto ($34.1 million) and Atlanta ($27.6 million) follow closely behind, while defending champion LA Galaxy ($22.9 million), Los Angeles FC ($22.4 million), and Chicago ($22.1 million) round out the top spenders. Notably, the expansion team San Diego has made a bold statement with the 10th highest payroll at $20 million, while Montreal ($12 million) and Philadelphia ($13.4 million) find themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum, highlighting the league’s growing financial disparity.
New Faces, Big Paychecks: MLS’s Marquee Arrivals for 2025
The 2025 season has witnessed a influx of high-profile arrivals, further elevating the league’s financial prowess. Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath ($4,030,546), Cincinnati’s Kévin Denkey ($3.81 million), and Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha ($2,751,667) headline the list of newcomers, joined by the likes of New York Red Bulls’ Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting ($3,530,667), Los Angeles’ Olivier Giroud ($3,675,000), and Portland’s David Da Costa ($3,425,000). These marquee signings not only bolster the on-field talent but also underscore the league’s growing appeal and financial muscle, setting the stage for an electrifying season.
U.S. Soccer Stars: Cashing In on Domestic Talent
While international superstars dominate the headlines, MLS has also embraced the financial potential of its homegrown talent. Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman ($3,456,979), Seattle winger Jordan Morris ($2.26 million), and Seattle forward Jesús Ferreira ($1,828,960) lead the charge, showcasing the league’s commitment to nurturing and rewarding domestic stars. This trend extends to players like Colorado midfielder Djordje Mihailovic ($1,775,000), Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson ($1,650,171), and San Diego midfielder Luca de la Torre ($1,535,331), underscoring the league’s dedication to cultivating and retaining top American talent.
The Financial Revolution: MLS’s Soaring Payroll Figures
The financial revolution sweeping through MLS is evident in the staggering payroll figures. With 11 players earning $5 million or more, up from nine at the start of the previous season, and 50 players earning $2 million or higher, an increase from 44, the league’s financial muscle is flexing. Furthermore, a remarkable 131 players now earn $1 million or more, up from 115 at the start of the previous year. The total compensation of all 902 signed players has skyrocketed to $586 million, a 12.9% increase from $519 million at the start of 2024, a 27.4% increase from $460 million at the start of 2023, and a staggering 48.7% increase from $394 million at the beginning of 2022. These figures paint a picture of a league undergoing a seismic financial transformation, driven by the influx of global superstars and the league’s commitment to investing in top talent.
