In a recent salary update released by the Major League Soccer Players Association, it was revealed that Lionel Messi’s earnings from Inter Miami surpass the entire payrolls of 22 other MLS teams. Messi has a base salary of $12 million and a total annual compensation of $20.4 million, numbers that have remained consistent since the initial reporting in May.

These figures reflect Messi’s deal with MLS, which extends through the 2025 season. They encompass his salary, marketing bonuses, and agent fees, but exclude any potential additional agreements or performance bonuses with the team or its affiliates. Notably, Messi benefits from the league’s partnership with Apple TV, which is estimated to generate approximately $50 million for him.

Inter Miami, which clinched the league’s Supporters Shield this season, boasted the highest payroll in the league at a staggering $41.7 million—double that of all but a few teams, including Toronto ($31.8 million), Los Angeles FC ($22.1 million), LA Galaxy ($22 million), and Nashville ($21.9 million). Notably, teams like Cincinnati ($21 million) and Houston ($20.5 million) also outpaced Messi’s individual earnings. On the other end of the spectrum, teams such as Montreal ($11.4 million), Philadelphia ($13.8 million), and Colorado ($14.4 million) reported some of the lowest payrolls.

Sergio Busquets, Messi’s teammate, ranks second in the league with an $8.5 million salary and $8.8 million total compensation, while Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne follows with a $7.5 million salary and $15.4 million in total compensation.

Interestingly, some players continue to earn substantial salaries without taking to the field. Jozy Altidore, a former forward for New England, is listed as an MLS pool player with a salary of $1.7 million and total compensation of $2.2 million. Meanwhile, former USMNT captain Michael Bradley, who last played in MLS in 2023, is noted as retired but still receives a salary and total compensation of $725,000.

On a broader scale, the average MLS salary has seen a 9.7% increase over the past year, with the median guaranteed salary now standing at $308,375.