When Lionel Messi arrived in Major League Soccer, the move instantly transformed the sport in the United States. But the latest revelation about his salary might be the most shocking part of the story yet.
According to Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, the Argentine superstar is earning between $70 million and $80 million per year from Inter Miami CF. The staggering figure includes not just his salary but also additional revenue streams tied to the club and league partnerships.
Mas didn’t shy away from the number either. In fact, he openly admitted the club is paying Messi massive money — and says it’s completely justified.
“I pay Messi — worth every penny — but it’s $70 to $80 million a year,” Mas said when explaining the financial realities of building a global soccer brand in Miami.
The Biggest Star MLS Has Ever Seen
Even before factoring in those extra revenue deals, Messi was already the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. His base MLS salary sits around $12 million, while his guaranteed compensation reaches more than $20 million annually, far ahead of anyone else in the league.
But the real money comes from the unique structure of his contract.
Messi’s deal includes revenue sharing tied to league broadcasting and sponsorship deals, endorsement partnerships like Adidas, and even equity opportunities tied to the club. Those additions are what push his total annual earnings into the $70–$80 million range, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in North American sports.
Messi Didn’t Just Join MLS — He Changed It
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has completely reshaped the franchise and the league itself.
Ticket prices for Miami matches skyrocketed, global TV viewership surged, and the club instantly became one of the most recognizable teams in the world. The Messi effect also translated to trophies, including Inter Miami winning its first major title shortly after his arrival and later capturing the 2025 MLS Cup.
Beyond trophies, his presence helped turn Inter Miami into a global brand almost overnight. Merchandise sales exploded, attendance surged, and the club’s valuation climbed dramatically.
Why Miami Is Willing to Pay So Much
The massive salary isn’t just about goals and assists. Messi’s value goes far beyond the field.
Sponsors want to be attached to the Messi brand, which is why the club has aggressively pursued new commercial deals. One recent agreement even includes naming rights for Miami’s upcoming stadium near Miami International Airport.
In other words, Messi isn’t just a player — he’s the engine driving the entire business.
Worth Every Penny?
For most MLS teams, paying one player $70–$80 million a year would be impossible. But Inter Miami believes the investment has already paid off.
The club has experienced unprecedented global attention, record-breaking revenue growth, and on-field success since Messi arrived. And with his contract running through 2028, Miami clearly expects the Messi era to keep delivering results.
One thing is certain:
MLS has never seen anything like this before.
And if Inter Miami keeps winning — and keeps cashing in — that jaw-dropping $80 million might end up looking like a bargain.
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