The MLS Players Association released its updated salary guide for the 2023 season. Not surprisingly, newly acquired Lionel Messi tops the list.
The World Cup champion takes home $20.4 million per season, the MLS's highest-paid player, followed by Toronto FC's Lorenzo Insigne at $15.4 million. Of course, Messi rakes in much more than his guaranteed compensation — his separate deals with Apple TV bring in an additional $30 – $40 million.
The Argentine benefits from a share of the revenue generated by Apple TV+, which offers exclusive broadcasts of MLS matches through its Season Pass. The annual subscription is $99, while a monthly option is available for $14.99.
Messi's comprehensive annual salary ($60 – $70m) is higher than any NFL player.
MLS Top 5 Highest-Paid Players
| Player | Team | Guaranteed Salary (in million $) |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 20.4 |
| Lorenzo Insigne | Toronto FC | 15.4 |
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Chicago Fire | 8.15 |
| Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez | LA Galaxy | 7.44 |
| Federico Bernardeschi | Toronto FC | 6.3 |
Inter Miami tops club payroll rankings
Signing Messi compelled Inter Miami to bring in additional reinforcements. Messi's former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, signed deals guaranteeing them $1.775 million and $1.25 million, respectively.
Miami's colossal wage bill instantly put them atop the league in salary rankings at $39.4 million, followed by Toronto FC at $32.3 million. Below are the MLS teams with the highest and lowest payrolls; ironically, the top three teams failed to make the playoffs. Orlando City falls to the bottom at $9.643 million, but the Lions still made the playoffs.
MLS Highest Club Payrolls
| Team | Payroll (in million $) |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | 39.419 |
| Toronto FC | 32.293 |
| LA Galaxy | 25.039 |
| LAFC | 20.841 |
| Chicago Fire | 20.416 |
| Austin FC | 19.166 |
| Philadelphia Union | 13.291 |
| New York Red Bulls | 11.331 |
| St. Louis City | 11.187 |
| CF Montreal | 10.92 |
| FC Cincinnati | 14.349 |
| Orlando City | 9.643 |
Photos: Instagram/lorinsigneofficial, LeoMessi, Shaqiri,
