Messi, Son lead MLS pay rankings as league spending soars

Messi, Son lead MLS pay rankings as league spending soars

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min has joined Lionel Messi as one of only two Major League Soccer (MLS) players earning more than $10 million annually, according to salary data released by the MLS Players Association on Wednesday.

Son, who arrived at LAFC during the summer transfer window, is guaranteed $11.2 million in compensation, placing him second behind Messi, who remains the league’s highest-paid player with $20.4 million. The figures reflect base salary, marketing bonuses, and agents’ fees, but exclude performance incentives and external agreements with clubs or affiliates.

Messi, who recently clinched the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 matches, also benefits from lucrative endorsement deals, including with Adidas, and a revenue-sharing arrangement with Apple, the league’s broadcast partner. According to Sportico, the Argentine icon could earn up to $150 million over the course of his 2½-year contract, which was recently extended through 2028.

Son’s contract with LAFC runs through 2027, with options that could extend his stay until 2029.

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Rounding out the top five earners are Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets ($8.8 million), Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón ($6.1 million), and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano ($6 million).

The salary data, current as of October 1, 2025, was annualized for players who joined midseason.

On the team spending front, Inter Miami leads the league with a record $48.97 million in total outlay, bolstered by the midseason signing of Rodrigo DePaul. Despite the heavy investment, Miami fell short of a second consecutive Supporters’ Shield, which was claimed by the low-budget Philadelphia Union.

Other top spenders include LAFC ($30.1 million), Atlanta United ($28.48 million), FC Cincinnati ($23.19 million), and Chicago Fire ($23.11 million). At the opposite end, CF Montreal recorded the lowest payroll at $12.92 million, followed by FC Dallas ($13.15 million), Philadelphia Union ($13.43 million), Toronto FC ($13.65 million), and Minnesota United ($14.54 million).

League-wide, the average team expenditure rose to $19.69 million, up 7% from last year’s $18.41 million. The median spend increased by 8%, reaching $18.01 million compared to $16.68 million in 2024.

Total spend per team:

1. Inter Miami – $48.97m
2. LAFC – $30.1m
3. Atlanta United – $28.48m
4. FC Cincinnati – $23.19m
5. Chicago Fire – $23.11m
6. Nashville SC – $22.44m
7. Portland Timbers – $22.44m
8. LA Galaxy – $22.26m
9. San Diego FC – $22.25
10. New York Red Bulls – $22.07m
11. Columbus Crew – $19.22m
12. New England Revolution – $19.11m
13. Charlotte FC – $19.02m
14. New York City FC – $18.84m
15. Seattle Sounders – $18.25m

Messi, Son lead MLS pay rankings as league spending soars