Inter Miami star Lionel Messi’s contract details have been publicly confirmed, revealing an unprecedented financial and structural deal that has cemented his status as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history.
The initial agreement, which brought the Argentine forward to South Florida in mid-2023, secures his tenure through the end of the 2025 season.
According to figures released by the MLS Players Association, Messi earns a base annual salary of $12 million, with his total guaranteed compensation reaching $20,446,667 annually.
This figure covers his playing salary, agent’s fees, and guaranteed marketing bonuses, placing his annual take-home pay above the entire payrolls of a majority of other MLS teams.
The true value of the initial two-and-a-half-year package is estimated to be far greater, potentially reaching $150 million in total. This valuation stems from unique, groundbreaking components that tie the athlete to the league’s commercial success.
The agreement notably includes a share of the revenue generated from new subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, alongside a percentage of increased kit sales from Adidas, the league’s official apparel sponsor.
Furthermore, Messi has been granted the highly unusual option to acquire partial equity in Inter Miami CF upon the conclusion of his playing career.
With his impact driving massive increases in club valuation and revenue, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is committed to securing his long-term future. Mas was quoted confirming expectations for the star to stay:
“He’s under contract through 2025. Leo and I will sit and we’ll discuss the future… I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026… that Lionel Messi will be our No. 10.”