Lionel Messi has solidified his position as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) with a new deal that pays him $12 million annually and earns him a total of $20.4 million through 2028.
However, he is now being surpassed by Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min, who signed with LAFC in August after a decade at Tottenham Hotspur. Son's annual salary totals $10.4 million, while his total compensation reaches $11.2 million, making him the second-highest paid player in MLS.
In comparison, Messi's figures are significantly higher, with an annual salary of $12 million and a total compensation of $20.4 million through 2028. These numbers include any marketing bonuses and agent fees that come with his deal, but do not account for additional agreements or performance bonuses.
Other notable additions to the league during the summer signing window include San Diego winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, who signed for $6 million annually, while Chicago winger Jonathan Bamba earned a similar figure of $5.6 million per year. Charlotte's Wilfried Zaha and Vancouver's Thomas Müller also joined the league with salaries of $2.7 million and $1.4 million annually, respectively.
Meanwhile, LAFC teammate Rodrigo De Paul has seen his salary reduced to just $1.5 million after signing in July, while Inter Miami teammates Jonathan Bamba and Wessam Abou Ali earn significantly lower figures at $5.6 million and $2.2 million per year, respectively. Philadelphia forward Milan Iloski rounds out the list with a paltry $552,569 annual salary.
However, he is now being surpassed by Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min, who signed with LAFC in August after a decade at Tottenham Hotspur. Son's annual salary totals $10.4 million, while his total compensation reaches $11.2 million, making him the second-highest paid player in MLS.
In comparison, Messi's figures are significantly higher, with an annual salary of $12 million and a total compensation of $20.4 million through 2028. These numbers include any marketing bonuses and agent fees that come with his deal, but do not account for additional agreements or performance bonuses.
Other notable additions to the league during the summer signing window include San Diego winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, who signed for $6 million annually, while Chicago winger Jonathan Bamba earned a similar figure of $5.6 million per year. Charlotte's Wilfried Zaha and Vancouver's Thomas Müller also joined the league with salaries of $2.7 million and $1.4 million annually, respectively.
Meanwhile, LAFC teammate Rodrigo De Paul has seen his salary reduced to just $1.5 million after signing in July, while Inter Miami teammates Jonathan Bamba and Wessam Abou Ali earn significantly lower figures at $5.6 million and $2.2 million per year, respectively. Philadelphia forward Milan Iloski rounds out the list with a paltry $552,569 annual salary.
I gotta say, it's wild to see how fast the game is changing! In my day, we were lucky if our favorite player was getting a decent chunk of change from their sponsorships 
. Now it seems like these MLS stars are raking it in 
. Son Heung-min's deal is impressive, but I'm still surprised Messi is still at the top 
. It just goes to show that the game has become a lot more lucrative for the players 
. But hey, can't blame them for wanting to get paid 
!
And it's not like they're going cheap either. $6 mil is no joke! 
. But seriously, Son Heung-min just moved ahead of him and that's crazy! I mean, I knew LAFC was gonna make some big moves, but this is insane 
. How did Messi get to $12 million annually anyway? That's a lot of Benjamins 
.
?! Like, he's crushing it in MLS and getting paid BIG 
, but let's be real, Messi's numbers are insane 
. I'm so hyped to see more players making big bucks and living their best lives 
- he sounds like a total firecracker 
!
But on the other hand, $6 million for Hirving Lozano is kinda crazy... I feel bad for the guy, he's gotta live somewhere. 
. On the other hand, I think it's awesome that we're seeing more big-name signings and salaries being disclosed – it gives fans a better idea of what they can expect from their favorite teams 
. I guess LAFC is just throwing money at their players to attract some top talent 
. it's gonna be interesting to see how this changes the competitive landscape of the league 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to play in some of the most vibrant cities in the US? 
But seriously, it's crazy to see how much these guys are raking it in 
also not surprised to see some players taking a hit on their salaries 
some of those numbers are just wild, especially De Paul going from $3.5m to $1.5m in one swoop