Top 10 official MLS salaries: Messi, five Europeans, two Africans, and two Latinos

Messi’s arrival in MLS changed the game. While his base salary stands at $12 million, total compensation reaches $20 million — a figure no other player in the league currently matches.

As the soccer world awaits a decision on Lionel Andrés Messi’s future, Major League Soccer has updated its list of the league’s top salaries. Unsurprisingly, the Argentine superstar sits at the top. The top 10 includes five European players, along with two other South Americans and a pair of Africans.

MLS lists Messi’s base salary at around $12 million with Inter Miami. That figure rises to $20 million when including bonuses and other compensation tied to his landmark arrival — a move that has reshaped the landscape of American soccer.

Next on the list is Sergio Busquets, earning $8.7 million, followed by Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United with total compensation of $7.8 million. Lorenzo Insigne, formerly of Toronto FC, was making up to $15 million annually before his recent departure.

Other big names on the list

The top 10 includes familiar faces like Jordi Alba in Miami, earning $6 million. Hirving Lozano, now with San Diego FC, has a compensation package totaling $7.6 million. Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls earns $5.4 million, while former Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig takes home $5.7 million with LA Galaxy. Interestingly, Luis Suárez does not appear in the top 10 highest-paid players in MLS at the moment.

Rounding out the top earners are Jonathan Bamba of the Chicago Fire with $5.5 million, and Belgian striker Christian Benteke of D.C. United, who makes $4.5 million per year. With Insigne’s exit from Toronto, Carles Gil of the New England Revolution now closes the top 10, with a total compensation package of $4.7 million.

The “designated player” rule and Messi’s unique deal

Messi’s contract falls under MLS’s Designated Player Rule — a mechanism that allows clubs to sign marquee players outside the league’s salary cap. Thanks to this rule, David Beckham’s Inter Miami can bring in external sponsors and commercial deals to cover the Argentine’s salary. While his base salary may seem modest compared to some European stars, the overall compensation Messi receives makes him the highest-paid player in league history. MLS is hoping to keep him beyond December 30, but nothing is certain yet.

Two big European names exit MLS

Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) and Olivier Giroud (LAFC) have both left MLS, marking the start of a talent shift as the league heads into the transfer window. Giroud’s departure, in particular, included some pointed remarks that echo some of the concerns likely running through Messi’s mind.

“It was a good experience, but the level and the little details — you know — they make the difference between an MLS team and European or maybe even some South American teams,” said Giroud. “That shows that MLS still has things to improve. They’re on the right path. MLS has grown and improved over the last 10 years, I’d say, and they need to keep going. But the gap still exists.”

Giroud is set to return to Europe with French club Lille, having failed to help LAFC reach the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup.