Major League Soccer (MLS) has released official figures confirming Lionel Messi’s salary with Inter Miami, a move that sent shockwaves through North American sport. The league, alongside the MLS Players Association, disclosed that the contract guarantees Messi an annual compensation of 20.4 million dollars. This figure comprises the base salary plus signing bonuses and any performance-related incentives. The disclosure marks a new benchmark for MLS compensation, underscoring the league’s growing ability to attract marquee talent and raise the profile of the game across Canada and the United States.
Messi, now 36, joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after a memorable spell with Paris Saint-Germain. His first appearance for the club came on July 22, when he delivered an instant highlight by converting a free-kick in the opening leg. Just over a month later, Messi helped Inter Miami claim their first major trophy in North America by securing the Leagues Cup, a dramatic victory over Nashville SC decided by a 10-9 penalty shootout after a tense final. That triumph signaled a turning point for the franchise, elevating the club’s status and signaling a new era of competitiveness in MLS.
In the subsequent league campaign, Inter Miami faced a challenging run that included a loss to FC Cincinnati on October 8, which left the team near the bottom end of the standings. The result curtailed playoff ambitions for the season, but the broader impact of Messi’s presence extended beyond results on the field. The attention, commercial interest, and ticket demand associated with Messi helped elevate the league’s visibility, attract new sponsorships, and engage a wider audience across North America, ultimately contributing to MLS’s long-term growth strategy.
A note on context and ongoing developments: Messi’s move to North America is part of a wider pattern where veteran stars explore opportunities outside traditional European powerhouses. For Inter Miami, his contribution goes beyond goals; it involves leadership, brand exposure, and the ability to attract additional star players in the future. Observers continue to watch how the team integrates Messi into its tactical setup, how the league adapts to higher salaries, and how this evolving dynamic influences the competitive balance within MLS as clubs seek to build on the momentum generated by his arrival.