MLS Salary Report: Lionel Messi Remains Top Earner as Spending Patterns Emerge
The MLS Players Association has released its updated salary data for the 2025 season, revealing the financial landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS) as teams navigate player expenditures. With Lionel Messi leading the pack as the highest-paid player, the report provides insights into the spending dynamics of all 30 clubs, including notable summer signings and shifting rankings.
Messi, who is currently earning over $20 million, continues to dominate the salary chart, significantly outpacing his teammates and the majority of players in the league. Although his new contract details will not be included until the first salary release of 2026, his earnings remain more than double that of LAFC’s Son Heung-min, who recently signed a lucrative contract worth $11.15 million—making him the second-highest paid player in MLS.
The latest salary update includes new contracts and summer signings, with Son Heung-min’s transfer from Tottenham setting a new MLS record at $26.5 million. His impact on the field has been immediate, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in just 806 minutes of play, including a fan-voted MLS Goal of the Year.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul, whose salary is calculated with bonuses from a loan deal, is listed at $3.67 million. Despite his current status below the designated player (DP) threshold, he is expected to command a high salary once his loan is made permanent.
The report highlights significant shifts in team spending, particularly for Toronto FC, which fell from second in the spring rankings to 27th due to the midseason departures of high-profile players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi.
Overall, the spending patterns show how MLS teams are balancing salary caps with the need to attract top talent. The flexibility provided by designated player contracts allows teams like Inter Miami to sign multiple high earners. In fact, Miami boasts three of the top five salaried players in the league, showcasing its commitment to building a competitive roster.
Interestingly, the Philadelphia Union won the Supporters’ Shield despite having one of the league’s lowest payrolls, illustrating that financial expenditure does not always correlate with on-field success. Conversely, Atlanta United spent up to $50 million in transfer fees but finished near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, demonstrating the complexities of team investment strategies.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is poised to clear substantial salary space with the impending retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, allowing the club to explore additional high-profile signings. As Messi continues to advocate for more spending freedom in MLS, the financial landscape of the league remains a hot topic among players and fans alike.
