Lionel Messi‘s decision to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) has left the football world stunned. While many expected him to opt for a move to Saudi Arabia, Messi chose the States instead, extending his illustrious career in a new setting.
Messi’s arrival is a massive coup for American soccer, particularly for struggling Eastern Conference side Inter Miami. The decision to switch Paris for Miami surprised many, considering the massive offer he received from Al-Hilal. However, Messi’s reported salary with Inter Miami is nothing to scoff at.
How much Messi will earn in Inter Miami?
While Messi could have earned a staggering $440 million at Al-Hilal, he chose familiarity over a higher paycheck. With a property in Miami and regular visits from his family, Messi opted for a move to the Magic City.
Although life at Inter Miami might not be as luxurious as his South Florida vacations (the club currently has the lowest average attendance in MLS, with their PNK Stadium holding a mere 19,100 people), Messi will reportedly earn a whopping $54 million (£43 million) in salary.
This figure comfortably positions him as the highest-paid player in MLS, far surpassing the previous record held by Xherdan Shaqiri of the Chicago Fire, who earned $8,153,000.
Questions have arisen about how Inter Miami managed to finance a deal for the greatest footballer of all time, considering MLS’s strict salary caps. The club has already filled their three “Designated Player” (DP) spots, which allow salaries to exceed the league’s cap.
Gregore ($725,000 base salary), Rodolfo Pizarro ($3,050,000), and Leonardo Campana ($550,000) occupy Inter Miami’s DP slots for 2023. To accommodate Messi, the club can move one of these players off the DP designation to a regular roster spot. Most likely, the lowest earner of the three, Gregore, will make way for Messi.
Leo will be the best paid player in the MLS
Messi’s reported salary of $54 million far surpasses the current highest-earner at the club, Josef Martinez, who earns a base salary of $4,000,000 for 2023. Martinez, who has scored the 11th-most goals in MLS history, made history by becoming the first player to win All-Star, League, and MLS Cup MVP honors in the same season (2017 with Atlanta United).
Only two current players in MLS earn a base salary exceeding $1,000,000: Martinez and the aforementioned Rodolfo Pizarro, a creative midfielder with 37 caps for Mexico. Messi’s astronomical earnings set a new benchmark for player salaries in the league, solidifying his status as a true footballing icon.