Lionel Messi isn't just the best player in MLS. He's in a completely different financial universe from everyone else in the league.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas just dropped some eye-popping numbers. Messi pulls in between $70 million and $80 million every single year from his deal with the club. And yes, that includes ownership stakes in Inter Miami itself.
"I pay Messi -- worth every penny -- but it's $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything," Mas told Bloomberg. He made these comments while discussing the club's new stadium naming-rights deal with Brazilian financial giant Nu.
Breaking Down Messi's Money
So where does all that cash come from? Messi's base MLS salary is $12 million per season, the highest in the league. His guaranteed compensation sits at nearly $20.5 million according to the players association.
But that's just the beginning. The 38-year-old Argentine legend signed a contract extension last fall that runs through 2028. Beyond his club salary, he rakes in tens of millions more from endorsement deals and a special revenue-sharing arrangement with Apple, MLS's broadcast partner.
The ownership equity in Inter Miami sweetens the pot even further. This type of deal was unprecedented when Messi joined in 2023, showing just how badly Miami wanted the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Has Messi Been Worth It?
Mas says Messi is "worth every penny," and the results back that up. Since the superstar arrived, Inter Miami has transformed completely. They reached the US Open Cup final, won the Leagues Cup, claimed the Supporters' Shield, and captured the MLS Cup.
The team also reached another Leagues Cup final, made the Champions League semifinals, and qualified for the Club World Cup. That's an insane trophy haul in just under two years.
"Leo changes everything for the better," said Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami's president of business operations. "As a football club, we depend on what happens on the pitch." And on the pitch, Messi has delivered championships and record-breaking performances.
For bettors, Inter Miami has become a completely different proposition with Messi. The team went from MLS also-rans to genuine title favorites whenever he's on the field. Their new stadium, Nu Stadium, opens April 4 with 26,700 seats near Miami International Airport.
With Messi locked in through 2028, Inter Miami looks set to dominate MLS for years to come. That kind of consistency matters when you're looking at futures bets and championship odds.
