Data: MLS Players Association; Note: Includes base salary, agent's fees and bonuses annualized over the term of each player's contract, including option years; Chart: Axios Visuals
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi makes more than the entire Colorado Rapids team combined.
Why it matters: How much team owners invest in players can correlate to success on the pitch.
By the numbers: The total compensation of the Rapids is $15.5 million, below the $20.4 million Messi is guaranteed, according to the latest Major League Soccer salary guide.
The highest-paid Rapids player is left wing Kévin Cabral at $2.1 million, the 49th largest salary in the league.
Data: MLS Players Association; Note: Includes base salary, agent's fees and bonuses annualized over the term of each player's contract, including option years; Table: Axios Visuals