Lionel Messi recently became the highest-paid player in MLS for the third consecutive year The Argentina skipper raked in a staggering $20.45 million in total compensation, which is more than the entire payroll of 21 of the league’s 30 teams. Messi's base compensation is $12 million and covers his MLS deal, which runs through the 2025 season, including any marketing bonuses and agent’s fees. Messi’s Inter Miami topped the league with a $46.8 million payroll as of May 23, up from $41.7 million at the end of last season. inter Miami’s payroll was double that of all teams other than Toronto ($34.1 million) and Atlanta ($27.6 million). Montreal had the lowest payroll of the league’s 30 teams at just under $12 million Overall the total compensation of all 902 signed players in MLS was $586 million compared to $519 million at start of 2024