NewsThe GuardianMay 12, 2026United States
Lionel Messi Remains Highest-Paid Player in MLS
New salary data from the MLS Players Association reveals that Lionel Messi is the league's top earner with a $28.3 million contract. Other high-profile players like Son Heung-min and Rodrigo De Paul also feature among the top earners in the league.
Read the full story at The GuardianWhy It Matters
This data provides transparency into how professional sports teams allocate their budgets and the financial scale of top-tier athlete compensation.
Key Facts
- Lionel Messi earns $28.3 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in the MLS.
- Son Heung-min ranks second in league earnings at $11.2 million.
- Rodrigo De Paul is the third-highest earner with an income of $9.7 million.