Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has sent shockwaves through the football world. Not only has the Argentine World Cup champion joined the Major League Soccer (MLS), but he has also become the highest-paid player in the league’s history. With a staggering base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation of over $20.4 million, Messi’s earnings have shattered previous records by an astounding $5 million.
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A Record-Breaking Contract
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami may be impressive, but it only represents a fraction of his total earnings during his time in the U.S. According to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, Messi’s deals with Adidas and sportswear manufacturer Fanatics, as well as his equity in the team and a share of subscription sales to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service, are expected to push his annual income to an astonishing $50-60 million. This would put Messi in the same league as some of the highest-earning players in the top three U.S. sports leagues.
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Breaking Boundaries
Before Messi, the best-paid player in MLS history was Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne, with a base salary of $7.5 million and guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million annually. However, Messi’s arrival has raised the bar significantly, making him the undisputed leader in terms of earnings. Even his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who also joined Miami, have signed contracts with considerably lower salaries.
The Impact on MLS Payroll
Messi’s addition to the team has catapulted Inter Miami to the top of the league in terms of payroll, with a record-breaking $39.4 million. Toronto follows closely behind at $31.6 million, with the Galaxy coming in third at $25 million. Ironically, despite their high expenditures, all three teams are set to finish the season in the bottom five of the 29-team league, missing the playoffs.
MLS Salary Trends
MLS has experienced a steady rise in player salaries in recent years. In 2019, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed with the Galaxy, his $7.2 million deal set a new record. This season, four players are guaranteed even higher earnings, including the Galaxy’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who will make $7.4 million in guaranteed compensation. Additionally, around 13% of the league’s 925 players earn annual guaranteed compensation of at least $1 million, another record-breaking statistic.
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The average MLS salary has also seen significant growth, increasing by over $120,000 in just two seasons. It is expected to rise even further in the upcoming season. To keep up with this upward trend, MLS owners will likely consider increasing the number of designated players per team from three to four, while also increasing the amount of allocation money each team can spend.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s arrival in the MLS has set a new milestone in player salaries, making him the highest-paid player in the league’s history. With his eye-watering earnings, Messi has not only shattered previous records but also positioned himself on par with the highest-earning players in the NBA, NFL, and MLB. As the MLS continues to grow and attract top talent, we can expect salaries to rise even further, further solidifying its position as a global force in football.
FAQs
Q: Who is the highest-paid MLS player?
A: Lionel Messi is currently the highest-paid player in the MLS, with a base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation of over $20.4 million.
Q: How does Messi’s salary compare to other sports leagues in the U.S.?
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A: Messi’s earnings are on par with some of the highest-paid players in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, making him one of the highest-earning athletes across all major U.S. sports leagues.
Q: How does Messi’s salary compare to previous MLS records?
A: Messi’s salary has shattered previous MLS records by a significant margin. The highest-paid player before him was Lorenzo Insigne, with a base salary of $7.5 million and guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million annually.
Q: Is there a salary cap in the MLS?
A: Yes, there is a salary cap in the MLS. However, designated players, whose salaries only partially count against the cap, have allowed teams to attract top international talent and offer higher salaries.
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Danh mục: Sport
