The MLS has released its 2026 salary guide and the numbers are eye-catching. Messi’s individual salary of $28.3 million is higher than the total team payroll of 28 other MLS clubs. Here is the full top 10.
1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami – $28.3 million
The gap between Messi and everyone else is extraordinary. His base salary of $25 million is up $13 million from last season following a contract extension through 2028. The figures do not include his revenue-sharing deal with Apple TV or Adidas partnerships.
2. Son Heung-min – LAFC – $11.1 million
Son is the second highest-paid player in MLS, more than doubling the salary of the third-placed player. The South Korean has made an immediate impact at LAFC since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.
3. Rodrigo De Paul – Inter Miami – $9.6 million
The Argentine midfielder has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s success alongside Messi and continues to justify his significant salary.
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4. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano – San Diego FC – $9.3 million
Lozano is earning $9.3 million despite not featuring in San Diego FC’s plans this season. A remarkable figure for a player currently on the sidelines.
5. Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United – $7.8 million
The Paraguayan has settled well at Atlanta United following his departure from Newcastle United and remains one of the league’s most exciting attackers.
6. Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls – $6 million
The Swedish playmaker remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the league and continues to deliver for the Red Bulls.
7. Sam Surridge – Nashville SC – $5.9 million
Surridge earned a significant pay rise after scoring a club-record 31 goals last season, nearly doubling his 2025 salary.
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8. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy – $5.7 million
The former Barcelona midfielder has established himself as one of the most creative players in MLS since arriving in Los Angeles.
9. Jonathan Bamba – Chicago Fire – $5.5 million
The French winger is Chicago Fire’s highest-paid player – a fact that will interest South African fans given he shares a dressing room with TLB and Puso Dithejane.
10. Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC – $5.4 million
The German playmaker rounds out the top 10, giving Nashville two players in the upper echelons of MLS earners.
Just outside the top 10, some notable names are still commanding significant salaries. Thomas Muller at Vancouver Whitecaps earns $5.1 million, while Timo Werner at San Jose Earthquakes takes home $4.2 million. Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Carles Gil of New England Revolution earns $4.9 million, and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga – the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner – earns $4.9 million.
Photo: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
