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Messi Tops 2025 MLS Pay List With Son Heung‑min at No. 2 and Inter Miami Leading Team Payrolls

The MLSPA’s new guide lists guaranteed compensation as of Oct. 1, annualizes summer arrivals, and does not reflect Messi’s extension through 2028.

Overview

  • Messi’s guaranteed compensation is $20.45 million, while LAFC’s Son Heung‑min ranks second at $11.15 million, making them the only eight‑figure earners.
  • Inter Miami’s team payroll is a league‑high $48.97 million, with LAFC second at $30.1 million, according to the MLSPA data release.
  • Sergio Busquets ($8.78 million) and Jordi Alba ($6 million) are among the top earners for Miami and are retiring at season’s end, setting up off‑season cap changes.
  • Vancouver’s Thomas Müller is listed at about $1.44 million in 2025 guaranteed compensation after his August signing, a modest figure relative to his on‑field impact.
  • Son arrived from Tottenham for a reported MLS‑record fee of roughly $26–26.5 million and scored nine goals in 10 league matches after joining LAFC.