Lionel Messi Inter Miami salary, contract and deal at MLS

Lionel Messi, the World Cup-winning football legend, has embarked on a new adventure with Inter Miami, aiming to leave his mark on the soccer scene in the USA. His arrival has already sparked a significant transformation within the club, leading them to their first trophy victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup.

Despite a challenging start marked by injuries and fatigue, Messi’s performance on the field has been nothing short of brilliant. His move to Miami came after an illustrious stint with Paris Saint-Germain and a triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign with Argentina.

Turning down an offer to join the growing number of Europe-based players moving to Saudi Arabia, Messi chose Florida as his next destination. His decision is already paying dividends, with Messi quickly establishing a notable legacy in Miami.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami extends until the end of 2025, with an option for a further 12-month extension. As per the 2023 MLS salary release, Messi’s base salary stands at $12 million, with total guaranteed compensation exceeding $20 million. This staggering figure makes him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer by a considerable margin.

In comparison, Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC, the next highest-paid player, earns a base salary of $7.5 million and guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million. No other player in the league comes close to these figures.

In addition to his salary, Messi is reported to receive an ownership stake in Inter Miami as part of his contract. Negotiations are ongoing with major brands like Apple and Adidas for advertising and image rights. The Miami Herald reported in June that when considering all aspects of the deal beyond his salary, it is worth between $125-$150 million (£100m-£120m) in total or around $4.1-$5m (£3.3-£4m) per month.

According to Capology’s salary database, Messi’s total earnings amount to $54 million per year, culminating in a three-year total of $162 million.

As Lionel Messi continues his journey with Inter Miami, fans eagerly anticipate what this football icon will bring to the field next.