Overview
- Lionel Messi remains MLS’s highest-paid player at a $12 million salary and $20.446 million in total compensation, with a new Inter Miami contract running through 2028.
- LAFC forward Son Heung-Min ranks second at a $10.369 million salary and $11.153 million in total compensation, joining Messi as the only players above $10 million.
- Inter Miami leads club spending at a record $48.97 million in 2025 payroll, with LAFC second at $30.1 million, highlighting wide gaps across team budgets.
- League-wide guaranteed base compensation averages climbed to $632,809 and the median rose to $338,347 year over year, signaling broader wage growth.
- Figures are reported by the MLS Players Association as of Oct. 1 and annualize contracts for summer arrivals, with Son joining LAFC in August and scoring nine goals in 10 MLS matches.