Lionel Messi continues to lead the earnings chart in Major League Soccer as the top-paid player, but he now has a new teammate bringing in over $10 million. Messi’s salary remains unchanged from the spring at a base of $12 million and a total guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million, according to the MLS Players Association’s latest earnings report released on Wednesday.
Korean forward Son Heung-min, who made a significant debut for Los Angeles FC after transferring from Tottenham Hotspur in August, ranks second with a base salary of $10.37 million and guaranteed earnings of $11.15 million. Son takes the place of Lorenzo Insigne from Toronto FC, who departed MLS in July after earning a base salary of $7.5 million and a total of $15.4 million.
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While no other summer signings made the top 10, some notable newcomers include Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, earning a total of $3.62 million; Colorado Rapids midfielder Paxten Aaronson at $2.23 million; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Thomas Muller at $1.44 million; and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, who earns $1.94 million.
Guaranteed compensation encompasses base salaries and all signing and guarantee bonuses spread out over the contract duration, including any option years. Performance bonuses are not counted as they are awarded during the offseason.
Messi recently extended his contract with Miami for three years, so his earnings will change somewhat next season, although specific terms haven’t been revealed. At 38, the Argentine legend and the highest-paid player in MLS history is on track to potentially claim his second consecutive MVP award this fall. Miami, currently third in the Eastern Conference, won the first match of a best-of-three playoff series against Nashville SC last Friday.
Son, 33, has already made a mark with nine goals and three assists in 10 regular season games and is set to make his playoff debut against Austin FC on Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV.
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Muller, a 36-year-old ex-Bayern Munich star, has been a great asset for the Whitecaps, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in seven regular season matches and netting one goal in the playoff opener against FC Dallas.
Along with Insigne, Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi has also fallen out of the top 10 following his departure from MLS this summer. He was previously sixth in total compensation with $6.3 million.
Two of Messi’s teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, announced their retirements this winter. Busquets ranks third overall with $8.77 million, while Alba comes in seventh with $6 million.
No American players made it to the top 20; however, the highest-paid domestic player is Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez, earning $3.55 million, despite suffering an ACL injury this season. Other notable mentions are Nashville center back Walker Zimmerman ($3.46 million) and Toronto midfielder Djordje Mihailovic ($2.28 million).
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Highest Paid Players in MLS
Lionel Messi, Miami $20.45 million
Son Heung-min, LAFC $11.15 million
Sergio Busquets, Miami $8.77 million
Miguel Almiron, Atlanta $7.87 million
Hirving Lozano, San Diego $7.63 million
Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bulls, $6.04 million
Jordi Alba, Miami $6 million
Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy $5.78 million
Jonathan Bamba, Chicago $5.58 million
Hany Mukhtar, Nashville $5.31 million
Christian Benteke, DC $4.94 million
Alexei Miranchuk, Atlanta $4.89 million
Evander, Cincinnati, $4.74 million
Carles Gil, New England $4.70 million
Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy $4.18 million
Emmanuel Latte Lath, Atlanta $4.03 million
Luis Muriel, Orlando $4 million
Kevin Denke, Cincinnati $3.81 million
Dennis Bouanga, LAFC $3.71 million
Ryan Gauld, Vancouver $3.68 million
This news adds excitement for soccer fans as it highlights the increasing financial investments in MLS, showcasing the league’s growth and attracting top-tier talent. Messi and Son’s presence not only elevates the competitive landscape but also enhances the league’s credibility on the global stage.
