Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, pulling in a total compensation of $20.4 million from Inter Miami. However, a new name has emerged as the league's second-highest earner: Son Heung-min, the South Korean star forward for Los Angeles FC.
The latest salary figures released by the MLS Players Association on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, reveal the financial landscape of the league, including the impact of mid-season acquisitions. Messi's guaranteed compensation includes his $12 million base salary, marketing bonuses, and agent's fees, reflecting his initial deal which extends through the 2025 season. This figure doesn't account for potential performance bonuses or any additional agreements with the team or its affiliates. It was announced last week that Messi has agreed to a new deal with Miami through 2028. The details of the new contract have not been disclosed. However, it is expected that he will continue to be the league's highest-paid player. His total package over his current two-and-a-half-year contract is valued at $150 million, which includes equity in the club upon his retirement.
Son Heung-min's arrival at LAFC has shaken up the salary hierarchy. The South Korean international, who joined LAFC in August after a successful career with Tottenham Hotspur, now commands an annual salary of $10.4 million and a total compensation of $11.2 million. This places him comfortably in the second spot, surpassing Messi's teammate Sergio Busquets, whose guaranteed compensation is $8.8 million.
The financial implications of these high-profile signings are significant. Inter Miami's total wage bill stands at a league-leading $48.97 million, dwarfing LAFC's $30.1 million. In fact, Messi's salary alone exceeds the total wage bill of 20 of the league's 30 teams. This level of investment highlights Inter Miami's commitment to building a competitive squad around Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammates. Besides Busquets, these include Jordi Alba, who will make $6 million this season, and Luis Suarez, who earns $1.5 million.
Several other notable players have joined MLS, impacting the league's financial dynamics. These include Hirving "Chucky" Lozano at San Diego, Jonathan Bamba at Chicago, and Thomas Müller at Vancouver. However, only Son Heung-min has broken into the top ten highest earners this year.
Here’s a look at the top ten highest earners in MLS by guaranteed annual compensation: 1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) - $20.45 million 2. Son Heung-min (LAFC) - $11.15 million 3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) - $8.78 million 4. Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) - $7.87 million 5. Hirving Lozano (San Diego) - $7.63 million 6. Emil Forsberg (Red Bull New York) - $6.04 million 7. Jordi Alba (Inter Miami) - $6 million 8. Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) - $5.78 million 9. Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire) - $5.58 million 10. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville) - $5.31 million
As MLS continues to attract global talent, the financial landscape is likely to evolve further. With Messi committed to Inter Miami through 2028 and new stars like Son Heung-min making their mark, the league's profile and competitiveness are set for an exciting period of growth.
