When Inter Miami announced the signing of Lionel Messi, it was clear that they had to roll out the red carpet for the megastar. Just off an emphatic World Cup win and on course for a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, there was little doubt about the player they were signing.
Close to a year after he arrived in Major League Soccer, Messi is setting records not only on the field but also off it.
As things stand, he’ll break the all-time high for MLS salaries this season. But how does this compare to the other top stars in the game?
Lionel Messi’s Mega Contract
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For Inter Miami to secure the services of arguably the world’s best soccer player of all time, they had to prepare a significant pay package. Based on the biannual salary release, Messi’s base salary is $12 million. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He also has an ‘annualized average guaranteed compensation,’ which includes prorated bonuses of $20.4 million.
While such figures are common in European leagues, they greatly overshadow MLS salaries. To give you some perspective, Lionel Messi accounts for 50% of Inter Miami’s $41.7 million payroll. Furthermore, only four MLS clubs have a higher combined team payroll than Messi’s salary.
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Endorsements
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Due to his brand appeal, many top brands compete to have Lionel Messi endorse their products. Some of the brands he’s currently working with include Addidas, Apple, Fanatics, and various other MLS partners.
If you include these endorsements and his stake in Inter Miami, Messi is expected to earn $125 million from his two-and-a-half-year contract. This translates to over $50 million per season.
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MLS Team Payroll Rankings
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With the continued growth of the MLS and demand for it as a product, more revenue is flowing in. As a result, player salaries are on the rise. Here’s a look at the MLS base salaries without bonuses:
- Inter Miami – $30.9 million
- Toronto FC – 12.1 million
- Chicago Fire- $23.1 million
- Nashville SC – $18.5 million
- New England Revolution – $17.1 million
- Los Angeles Galaxy – $16.1 million
- FC Cincinnati – $15.9 million
- Sporting Kansas City – $15.5 million
- Austin FC – $15.1 million
- DC United – $15.0 million
- Seattle Sounders – $15.0 million
- Colorado Rapids – $14.7 million
- NYCFC – $14.6 million
- FC Dallas – $14.4 million
- Atlanta United – $14.3 million
- Vancouver Whitecaps – $14.2 million
- Columbus Crew – $15.2 million
- Minnesota United – $14.9 million
- Charlotte FC – $13.4 million
- Philadelphia Union – $13.1 million
- Portland Timbers – $13.0 million
- San Jose Earthquakes – $12.5 million
- Real Salt Lake – $12.4 million
- CF Montreal – $10.8 million
- St Louis City – 10.8 million
Keep in mind that the bonus structure varies among teams. Therefore, if you account for bonuses, some teams will have a higher ranking on this list.
All in all, these are good signs for Major League Soccer and its players. As revenues continue rising, the league will become more appealing to international players in their prime. In turn, this will boost its appeal and revenues further, resulting in a cycle of growth.
Even at the age of 36 Messi continues to show his pedigree as a player. While there’s no telling for how long he’ll be playing, all we can do is cherish his brilliance each week.
About the Author
Chris is a soccer aficionado whose life revolves around the game. He’s played competitively and is now a soccer writer and coach. Whether it’s in-depth match and player analyses or tactical reviews, his engaging writing style appeals to fans worldwide. Keep following his writings to stay informed about all things soccer.
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