Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has confirmed Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually with the MLS club, describing the salary as “worth every penny.”
MIAMI — Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has confirmed Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually with the MLS club, revealing the financial scale of the Argentine’s landmark move to North America. The figure far exceeds traditional league salaries, reflecting Messi’s immense global commercial appeal since joining in 2023.
“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world-class is because players are expensive,” Mas told Bloomberg in an interview published Friday. “I pay Messi, worth every penny, but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.”
The revelation provides rare transparency regarding Messi’s compensation package, which has fueled speculation since his groundbreaking transfer. Mas emphasized the financial commitment extends beyond base salary, encompassing the comprehensive sponsorship structure required to accommodate the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s historic deal.