### Messi Dominates MLS Salary Rankings Again in 2025 Lionel Messi continues to reign supreme in Major League Soccer (MLS) as the highest-paid player for the third consecutive year. His salary not only surpasses that of his peers but also exceeds the total payroll of 21 MLS teams combined. Inter Miami CF, the club he plays for, has the highest payroll in the league, significantly influenced by Messi's earnings. This financial landscape highlights the disparity in player salaries within the league, showcasing Messi's unparalleled market value and impact on MLS. ### Breakdown of Messi's Salary and Its Implications 1. **Messi's Earnings**: - Messi's guaranteed compensation for the 2025 season is reported at **$20,446,667** [https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2025/06/25/miamis-messi-still-the-highest-earner-in-major-league-soccer-at-us20-5-million]. - This figure positions him over **25% higher** than the next highest-paid player, Lorenzo Insigne [https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-how-much-lionel-messi-earn-inter-miami-new-report-details-argentine-superstar-s-wages-mls-club]. 2. **Inter Miami's Payroll**: - Inter Miami's total payroll stands at **$46.8 million**, making it the highest in the league [https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/lionel-messi-salary-how-one-man-s-pay-outpaces-entire-mls-teams-125062600214_1.html]. - This amount is nearly double that of all teams except Toronto ($34.1 million) and Atlanta ($27.6 million) [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/mls-2025-salaries-lionel-messi-top-earner-inter-miami-13900531.html]. 3. **MLS Salary Landscape**: - The MLS Players' Association released the salary data for the first time in 2025, revealing Messi's dominance in the earnings hierarchy [https://www.keloland.com/sports/sports-illustrated/8c8e0b31/top-20-mls-salaries-in-2025-lionel-messi-leads-charts-by-considerable-margin]. - Messi's salary is a significant factor in the overall financial dynamics of the league, as it highlights the economic disparity between star players and the rest of the league [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/inter-miami-lionel-messi-salary-earns-more-than-21-mls-teams-major-league-soccer-football-news/article69737520.ece]. ### Summary of Findings - **Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS for 2025**, with a salary of **$20,446,667**, which is more than the total payroll of 21 teams. - **Inter Miami CF leads the league** with a payroll of **$46.8 million**, significantly influenced by Messi's earnings. - The financial landscape of MLS reveals a stark contrast in player salaries, with Messi's earnings dwarfing those of his peers and underscoring his market value. In conclusion, **Messi's financial impact on MLS is profound**, not only elevating his own status but also shaping the economic framework of the league. His presence continues to attract attention and investment, reinforcing the notion that star players can significantly influence the financial health of sports leagues.