Home » Football » Major League Soccer

MLS salary rankings show why Lionel Messi contract is a big deal

Just 10 players take 15.2% of MLS guaranteed compensation. See Lionel Messi's earnings, the median salary, team payrolls and 20 years of pay growth.

By Jared Beilby · Yahoo Sports

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 10:05 AM

Key Things to Know

MLS salary rankings emphasize the massive financial scale of Lionel Messi's contract relative to typical league compensation.
The average MLS player salary in 2026 is approximately $686,000 based on average guaranteed compensation.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez recently scored two goals each in Inter Miami's 4-0 win over DC United.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Major League Soccer salary rankings highlight the significant financial scale of Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami. In 2026, the average MLS player salary sits at approximately $686,000 in average guaranteed compensation, illustrating the major financial gulf between typical league earners and top global superstars.

Messi's earnings stand in sharp contrast to league standards as he continues to drive Inter Miami on the pitch. In recent action, Messi and Luis Suárez each scored twice in a 4-0 victory over DC United, securing head coach Kily González's first win.

Read the full article on Yahoo Sports

MLS salary rankings show why Lionel Messi contract is a big deal

More Mls News

Never Miss a Sports Update