Sep 3, 2025 - News

Stunning stat du jour: Messi's big payday

Adam Tamburin,
Nate Rau

Table showing MLS teams' total guaranteed compensation as an annualized average for the 2025 season. Inter Miami has the highest total at $46.8 million, followed by Toronto FC at $34.1 million and Atlanta at $27.6 million. — 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

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi's pay is nearly even with Nashville SC's guaranteed compensation for its entire roster, the MLS Players Association's latest salary guide shows.

The intrigue: Messi's guaranteed compensation is $20.4 million, while Nashville SC shells out $21.8 million total for all of its players.

Between the lines: The rest of us will just have to hold out hope for that $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot.

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Stunning stat du jour: Messi's big payday

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