Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team continue to lead the way as the average MLS salary rose 9.7%, according to the latest MLS player salary data released by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) Thursday.
Messi, who is under contract through the end of 2025, has an annual guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million, factoring in only the Argentina forward's salary.
Previously, Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has said that Messi's total compensation, which includes a cut from the league's Apple TV deal, was in the $50 million to $60 million range.
Messi's total compensation was more than the entire payrolls of 22 other MLS teams. Miami won the Supporters' Shield for the first time this year and set an MLS record for most points in the regular season with 74 after Messi's 11-minute hat trick inspired the team to a 6-2 win over the New England Revolution on Saturday.