MLS salaries: Lionel Messi still tops the list, five teams get new highest-paid players

Messi still the highest-paid player in MLS

Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS), according to the latest figures released by the league. The Argentine forward earns a staggering $7.3 million per year, more than double the salary of the second-highest-paid player, Xherdan Shaqiri of the Chicago Fire.

Messi has been with Inter Miami since 2020, and has helped the team reach the MLS Cup playoffs in both seasons he has been with the club. He is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his presence in MLS has helped to raise the profile of the league around the world.

Five teams get new highest-paid players

In addition to Messi, five other teams have new highest-paid players this season. The most notable is Lorenzo Insigne, who joined Toronto FC from Napoli in the summer. The Italian winger is earning $6.5 million per year, making him the second-highest-paid player in MLS.

Other teams with new highest-paid players include the Los Angeles Galaxy (Riqui Puig), the New York Red Bulls (Thiago Martins), the Seattle Sounders (Héber), and the Vancouver Whitecaps (Lucas Cavallini).

MLS salaries continue to rise

The average salary in MLS has been rising steadily in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The league is becoming increasingly competitive, and teams are willing to spend more money to attract top talent.

The rise in salaries is also being driven by the increasing popularity of MLS around the world. The league is now being broadcast in over 170 countries, and its matches are attracting large audiences.

Conclusion

The MLS is one of the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world, and its salaries are rising accordingly. Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in the league, but he is now joined by a number of other top players who are earning millions of dollars per year.