The MLS Players Association just shared the 2026 salary details, giving us a peek into player earnings and club spending.
Lionel Messi is by far the top-paid player, raking in about $28.33 million. This doesn’t even factor in his potential ownership stake or other perks, which Miami owner Jorge Mas estimates could bring his earnings to between $70 million and $80 million a year. To put this in perspective, Messi’s guaranteed pay is more than what most MLS teams spend altogether, except for LAFC.
In this salary-capped league, the information from the MLSPA is crucial but doesn’t tell the whole story. Teams can spend more on designated players, paying them any salary but only counting a set fee of $803,125 against the cap. This flexibility allows clubs to increase their overall wage bill significantly.
However, these figures don’t include transfer fees. Take the Philadelphia Union, for example. They broke their record to sign forward Ezekiel Alladoh for around $4.5 million, but his salary is only $540,000. The Union, last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners, currently sit at the bottom of the table and are the lowest salary spenders, with only one player earning over $1 million.
Additionally, the financial picture isn’t complete without accounting for what clubs spend on infrastructure, front office staff, and other essentials. While we can’t see the full landscape, these salary details provide valuable insight into the league’s financial health.
Key Highlights
Top Earners: Not surprisingly, Messi leads the pack. Here’s a quick look at the highest-paid players in MLS:
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami – $28.3M
- Son Heung-min, LAFC – $11.2M
- Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami – $9.7M
- Chucky Lozano, San Diego FC – $9.3M
- Miguel Almirón, Atlanta United – $7.9M
Messi’s earnings dwarf the others, underscoring his influence and star power.
Club Expenditures: Miami tops the club wage bill at $54.6 million, followed by LAFC with $32.7 million and Atlanta United at $27.9 million. The Philadelphia Union are at the bottom again with just $11.7 million. Interestingly, the money spread among the bottom 20 teams lies within a $10 million margin, showcasing a tight budgetary battle.
Emerging Stars: Several new talents are making their mark this season. For example, Josh Sargent at Toronto FC is earning $5.2 million after being pursued for over $20 million. Thomas Müller, another notable player, saw his salary jump to $5.15 million after becoming a designated player.
Expert Insights
According to sports finance expert Andrew Zimbalist, MLS salaries reflect broader trends in sports economics: “High-profile players often drive interest and revenue, which can translate into higher salaries. It’s a cycle that can benefit everyone involved, from clubs to fans.”
Recent analyses show that MLS player salaries have generally increased over the last decade. A 2022 report revealed that the average salary in the league rose by approximately 60% since 2014, showcasing the growing value of soccer in North America.
Social Media Buzz
Fans have taken to social media, voicing mixed feelings about the salary dynamics. Many see Messi’s earnings as “excessive,” while others argue his presence has elevated the league’s profile, drawing in new fans and sponsorships.
In summary, the MLS salary landscape is changing, with big stars commanding stunning salaries. Teams like Inter Miami are pushing the boundaries on spending, while others struggle to keep up. As the league evolves, it will be interesting to watch how these financial shifts impact player recruitment and team performance in the future.
For more salary insights and resources, check out the MLSPA’s salary guide.
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