Messi, Insigne and Busquets Lead 2025 MLS Salary Rankings

Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, according to the latest salary data released by the MLS Players Association as of May 23. The Argentine star earns $20.4 million in guaranteed compensation from Inter Miami, not including commercial deals with Apple, Adidas and Fanatics that helped bring him to the league in 2023. His salary alone accounts for over 43% of Miami’s payroll.

Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) ranks second at $15.4 million, followed by Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) at nearly $8.8 million. Among the newcomers making an immediate financial impact are Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC, $7.63M) and Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United, $7.87M). The Paraguayan playmaker returned to MLS after a spell at Newcastle, instantly becoming Atlanta’s top earner.

Inter Miami tops the league in total payroll at $46.8 million, spending 37% more than second-placed Toronto. Ten clubs now exceed the $20 million mark in salaries—a dramatic increase compared to just two teams surpassing that threshold three years ago. On the other end, CF Montréal sits last with a $12 million outlay.

Beyond headline figures, the salary data reveals sharp wage disparities: Messi earns nearly twice as much as teammate Jordi Alba and more than eight times what Luis Suárez makes. In San Diego, young winger David Da Costa ranks among the club’s top earners despite limited experience.

The report also highlights some of the league’s biggest bargains, including 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), who makes $364,000 a year—well above the homegrown minimum, but still modest compared to his high-priced opponents.

Top 10 Highest-Paid MLS Players in 2025:

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $20,446,667
• Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) – $15,400,000
• Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) – $8,774,996
• Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United) – $7,871,000
• Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC) – $7,633,333
• Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) – $6,295,381
• Emil Forsberg (NY Red Bulls) – $6,035,625
• Jordi Alba (Inter Miami) – $6,000,000
• Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) – $5,779,688
• Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire) – $5,581,806