Lionel Messi leads MLS earners with $545,000 weekly salary. The Argentine forward returned to Inter Miami ten days after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain. His return comes as the league’s most lucrative contract for the season, underscoring his market value.
Messi missed Miami’s first two matches after the World Cup break, fixtures against Chicago and Montreal, and he also sat out the All‑Star Game in Charlotte. During that pause he spent time with his ailing father, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. Despite the personal loss, the forward’s contract guarantees him $545,000 each week, the highest wage in the league for 2026.
The weekly figure translates to a substantial annual sum, reflecting the club’s investment in his on‑field impact. Inter Miami’s roster now features other high‑profile signings. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro joined the club, adding depth to a squad that already includes veteran striker Luis Suárez. Meanwhile, former Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski signed for Chicago Fire, also earning $325,000 per week after concluding a memorable stint with Barcelona.
These moves underline the club’s ambition to remain competitive while offering lucrative deals to established talent, and they illustrate MLS’s broader strategy of attracting seasoned internationals.
MLS's highest‑paid players in 2026 The league’s salary list shows a cluster of former European stars commanding large weekly pay. Alongside Messi’s $545,000, both Casemiro and Lewandowski earn $325,000 per week. Son Heung‑min of LAFC receives $214,000, while Rodrigo De Paul at Inter Miami makes $186,000. Further down the list, players such as Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United) and Hirving Lozano (LA Galaxy) earn $115,000 each, and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) takes home $114,000 weekly.
The rankings also feature Hany Mukhtar, Emil Forsberg, Josh Sargent and Thomas Muller, each earning six‑figure weekly salaries, highlighting a wide range of compensation across the league.
The rankings were compiled from salaryleaks.com, capology.com, spotrac.com and other reports, reflecting the growing financial pull of MLS for veteran internationals. As clubs continue to attract marquee names, the league’s payroll landscape is reshaping, offering fans a higher‑profile product and signaling MLS’s increasing competitiveness on the global stage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lionel Messi's weekly salary in MLS for 2026? Lionel Messi earns $545,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the 2026 season.
Which MLS players earn $325,000 per week in 2026? Brazilian midfielder Casemiro at Inter Miami and former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski at Chicago Fire each receive $325,000 weekly in 2026.
When did Lionel Messi return to Inter Miami after the World Cup? Messi returned ten days after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain, missing Miami’s first two post-break matches and the All-Star Game in Charlotte.
Who are the other high-paid MLS players in 2026 besides Messi? Other top earners in 2026 include Casemiro and Lewandowski ($325,000), Son Heung‑min ($214,000), Rodrigo De Paul ($186,000), and several players earning between $115,000 and $101,000 weekly.
Source: thenationalnews.com
