Nashville SC spends $23 million on player payroll
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Nashville SC spends nearly $23 million on compensation for its players, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide. But that total still pales in comparison to the league's top-paid player.
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: Nashville's top-paid player is Sam Surridge, who makes more than $5.9 million. His performance suggests he's earning his keep.
- Surridge is one of the top scorers in the MLS, and he's a leading contender for league MVP this year.
Longtime star Hany Mukhtar is next on Nashville's roster rankings, with $5.4 million in total compensation. Mukhtar, a former MVP, is also in the midst of a strong season.