October 24, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi is earning a massive $20.4 million (£16.6m) per year at Inter Miami, according to new figures released by the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA). The 36-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Florida side this past summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi’s base salary of $12 million is the highest in MLS, with the iconic Argentine bringing in an additional $8.4 million in guaranteed compensation. His pay packet dwarfs other big names in the American league like Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri. Insigne earns $15.4 million at Toronto FC whilst Shaqiri makes just over $8 million at Chicago Fire.
The arrival of Messi was a huge moment for Inter Miami and MLS as a whole. His impact was immediate, helping the club win the Leagues Cup trophy and reach the final of the US Open Cup. However, a lengthy injury absence saw Messi miss the end of the regular season, contributing to Inter’s failure to make the playoffs.
At 36, Messi is clearly past his prime but still has the quality to be the standout player in MLS. His salary reflects his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The fact that while Messi was sidelined, Inter struggled and failed to qualify for the postseason MLS Cup tournament already points to the difference he brings.
Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, also moved to Inter Miami but are earning just a fraction of the Argentine’s salary. Busquets takes home $1.75 million whilst Alba earns $1.25 million.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
