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Atlanta United spends nearly $28 million on player payroll

Adam Tamburin,
Thomas Wheatley

A bar chart that compares 2026 MLS team guaranteed compensation as of April 16. Inter Miami leads at $54.6 million, far ahead of LAFC at $32.6 million. Atlanta United ranks third at $27.9 million. Among the 10 teams shown, Chicago Fire is lowest at $21.7 million. — Data: MLS Players Association; Note: List includes the 10 teams spending the most on compensation. Guaranteed compensation includes a player's base salary, agent's fees, and all signing, marketing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, including option years. Chart: Adam Tamburin/Axios

Atlanta United spends nearly $28 million on compensation for its players, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide.

Yes, but: That total — the third-highest in MLS — still doesn't match what the league's top-paid player takes home.

Stunning stat: Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is getting a whopping $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation during the 2026 season, per the new guide released Tuesday.

That tops the total payroll for all but two of the league's 30 teams.

Zoom in: Atlanta's top-paid player is Miguel Almirón, who makes nearly $7.9 million in guaranteed compensation. He's the fifth-highest paid player in MLS.

Following Almirón are midfielder Alexey Miranchuk and center forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, with $5.1 million and $3.7 million.

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Atlanta United spends nearly $28 million on player payroll

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