MLS Player Salaries Surge as Global Stars Flock to United States
In recent years, Major League Soccer has witnessed a significant rise in player salaries, driven by an influx of high-profile international stars joining teams across the United States. Numerous well-known players from Europe and other top-tier leagues are now securing substantial contracts with MLS clubs, signaling a transformative period for the league.
Growth and Competitiveness in World Soccer
As MLS continues to expand its footprint, the contracts of its highest-paid athletes offer a clear window into how the league is evolving and becoming more competitive on the global soccer stage. The discussion around MLS salaries has intensified with the arrival of more global icons, as players who once dominated European competitions now sign high-value deals in the United States. Here is an in-depth look at the five highest-paid players in MLS and the contracts that position them as the league's top earners.
Lionel Messi: The Unrivaled Leader
Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. The Inter Miami superstar earns approximately $20.4 million in guaranteed compensation, according to official MLS salary data. Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami on October 23, 2025, which will run through the 2028 season. This agreement is widely anticipated to be the final professional contract of his illustrious career.
His deal extends far beyond a typical MLS salary structure. Messi receives roughly $12 million in base salary, supplemented by bonuses and revenue-sharing arrangements with partners like Apple and Adidas. Reports indicate that his total annual earnings could potentially reach between $70 million and $80 million, underscoring his immense value to the league.
Son Heung-min: A High-Profile Addition
Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC in August 2025 on a Designated Player contract that extends through the 2027 season, with club options for 2028 and 2029. The South Korean star earns around $11.15 million per year, making him the second highest-paid player in MLS. His transfer from Tottenham quickly became one of the most discussed moves in the league.
Son's signing has significantly bolstered LAFC's global profile and brought one of Asia's most popular soccer figures to MLS, enhancing the league's international appeal.
Sergio Busquets: Veteran Midfield Presence
Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami in July 2023, which concluded at the end of the 2025 MLS season. During his final season in the league, he earned about $8.77 million in guaranteed compensation. Busquets played a crucial role in Inter Miami's midfield alongside Messi before announcing his retirement from professional soccer following the 2025 season.
Miguel Almirón: Return to Atlanta
Miguel Almirón returned to Atlanta United in January 2025 on a Designated Player contract that runs through 2027, with a club option for 2028. The Paraguay international rejoined the club from Newcastle United for a reported transfer fee of approximately $10 million. His comeback excited Atlanta supporters, who fondly remember his pivotal role in the club's 2018 MLS Cup-winning season. Almirón earns about $7.87 million in annual guaranteed compensation.
Hirving Lozano: Building a New Franchise
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano signed a four-year Designated Player contract with San Diego FC, extending through the 2028 season. The Mexican international began his deal with the expansion club on January 1, 2025, and earns more than $7.63 million in annual guaranteed compensation. His salary places him among the highest-paid players in MLS as the new San Diego franchise works to establish its squad and identity within the league.
Investment in Top Talent
These five individuals represent the biggest earners in Major League Soccer at present. Their contracts highlight the substantial investments MLS teams are making in securing elite talent. As more global stars continue to arrive, the league's salary structures are expected to keep growing, further solidifying MLS's position in the competitive world of international soccer.
