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.