Messi Tops MLS Payroll for Third Straight Year, Total Compensation Exceeds $20 Million

Lionel Messi's dominance on and off the field continues as he surpasses the entire payroll of 21 teams with a total annual compensation of $20,446,667. The Argentine striker's base compensation is $12 million, with the remaining amount consisting of marketing bonuses and agent's fees. This achievement marks the third consecutive year Messi has held the top spot, with his team, Inter Miami, boasting a record $46.8 million payroll as of May 23.

Key Takeaways:

Messi's total annual compensation of $20,446,667 is more than the entire payroll of 21 teams in Major League Soccer.
The average guaranteed compensation of $649,120 rose by 9.2% from $594,389 in May 2024.
Eleven players earn $5 million or more, up from nine at the start of last season, and 50 earned $2 million or higher, an increase from 44.
The total compensation of all 902 signed players reached $586 million, up 12.9% from $519 million at the start of 2024, 27.4% from $460 million at the beginning of 2023, and 48.7% from $394 million at the start of 2022.
Notable newcomers include Atlanta forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, Cincinnati forward Kévin Denkey, Charlotte winger Wilfried Zaha, and New York Red Bulls forward Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting.
U.S. national team players such as Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman, Seattle winger Jordan Morris, and Colorado midfielder Djordje Mihailovic also feature in the list of top earners.

Statistics:

Total annual compensation: $20,446,667
Average guaranteed compensation: $649,120 (Increase of 9.2% from $594,389 in May 2024)
Number of players earning $5 million or more: 11 (up from 9 at the start of last season)
Number of players earning $2 million or higher: 50 (an increase from 44)
Total compensation of all 902 signed players: $586 million (up 12.9% from $519 million at the start of 2024)

Sources:

The Associated Press - https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-major-league-soccer-money-may-2024-082dbd1044e2c7dec2ad89ddec11105f