Messi earns $70m–$80m a year, Inter Miami co-owner says

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that Lionel Messi takes home between $70 million and $80 million per year, a sum that includes the World Cup winner's ownership shares. Messi, who arrived in the summer of 2023 and recently extended his stay through 2028, remains the highest-paid player in MLS history.

That total far exceeds the $20,446,667 in guaranteed compensation listed by the MLS Players Association, which includes a $12m base salary. The difference is explained by Messi’s equity in the club and lucrative side-deals, along with league-wide partnerships such as a major adidas endorsement and a revenue-sharing agreement with Apple.

Mas stressed the need for top-tier sponsorships to cover such costs. "The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world-class is because players are expensive," he said. "I pay Messi - worth every penny - but it's $70m to $80m a year.

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