Arguably the best participant within the historical past of soccer, Lionel Messi, grew to become a free agent after operating down his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) contract on June 30, 2023. Saudi Professional League heavyweights Al-Hilal have been desperate to land the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. They even reportedly tabled a deal price greater than $1 billion to steer Messi to affix Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner turned them down, pledging allegiance to David Beckham’s Inter Miami as a substitute.
Messi isn’t incomes practically as a lot as he would have at Al-Hilal. Nonetheless, his wage remains to be by far the very best in MLS. In actual fact, as per the information procured from the MLS Gamers Affiliation (by way of The Athletic), he earns greater than all the payroll of 25 MLS groups.
Lionel Messi Earns Extra Than 25 MLS Groups
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami on a two-and-a-half-year contract in July 2023. As per the aforementioned report, Messi agreed to a $20.4 million per yr deal, turning into the highest-paid participant in MLS historical past. His huge paycheque dwarves all the payroll of 25 MLS groups, together with some heavyweights.
FC Cincinnati spend round $18.7 million on gamers over a yr, whereas Austin FC’s complete payroll expense stands at $18.4 million. 5-time MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy, in the meantime, spend solely $17.9 million on participant wages yearly. MLS Cup 2023 finalists Los Angeles FC are additionally on the checklist, with their annual wage allocation hovering round $15.9 million.
Lionel Messi Has Already Surpassed David Beckham’s Complete MLS Earnings
In line with the MLS Gamers Affiliation, solely three gamers have earned extra money throughout their complete MLS careers than Lionel Messi has in solely two seasons. The Argentina icon has snagged $40,893,334 up to now at Inter Miami, already surpassing David Beckham and Carlos Vela’s profession earnings in the US. Beckham, who had been MLS’ most high-profile signing earlier than Messi got here round, made $36.5 million in six seasons at LA Galaxy. Vela, alternatively, earned $32,313,900 in six years at Los Angeles FC.
Michael Bradley ($44.84 million), Lorenzo Insigne ($44.80 million), and Jozy Altidore ($42.43 million) are the one three gamers who’ve earned greater than Messi in MLS historical past. Bradley featured in 11 MLS seasons. Insigne and Altidore, in the meantime, have spent three and 10 seasons, respectively. If Messi runs down his contract at Inter Miami, he’ll go away as MLS’ all-time highest earner.
