Messi makes more than MLS' best regular season team
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Not only does Lionel Messi remain Major League Soccer's highest-paid player, the Inter Miami and soccer superstar's guaranteed compensation is more than some teams, according to the latest MLS Players Association's salary guide.
Why it matters: MLS playoffs are underway, and it's time to see if teams got what they paid for this season.
The intrigue: The Philadelphia Union won the 2025 Supporters' Shield, awarded to the MLS team with the best regular-season record — showing you don't need a massive payroll to top the league.
By the numbers: Philadelphia Union's entire guaranteed compensation is $13.4 million, near the bottom of the league. However, they finished first in the Eastern Conference. That's less than Messi's guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million.
- Inter Miami's guaranteed compensation, the league's highest, has risen from $41.7 million in 2024 to $49 million this season. The club finished third in the league during the regular season.
- FC Cincinnati claimed the No. 2 spot in the East and has the fourth-highest guaranteed compensation in the league ($23.2 million).
- Newcomer San Diego FC claimed the top spot in the Western Conference and has a guaranteed compensation of $22.3 million. Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC secured the second and third spots in the West, respectively. The Whitecaps rank 17th in the league for guaranteed compensation ($17.3 million), while LAFC is second in the league with $30.1 million.
What we're watching: Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him in Florida through 2028.
- When asked how he would tweak MLS if he were commissioner for a day in a recent NBC interview, Messi said, "every team should have the opportunity to bring in players and sign whoever each team wants — without limitations or rules for players to bring them in."
- This would mean changes to the league's salary cap.
What's next: Playoffs continue tonight with LAFC taking on Austin FC in the first round at 10:30pm. Find the full schedule here.
