Top 5 Highest-Paid Players in MLS 2024: Inter Miami Superstar Lionel Messi Comfortably Tops List

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is easily the finest and most illustrious player to ever step foot in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since joining Inter Miami as a free agent in July 2023, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has changed the complexion of the league, making it one of the most popular in the sport.

According to Sportcal, a record 11,454,205 fans attended MLS matches in the regular 2024 season. Only two leagues — the Premier League and the Bundesliga — are ahead of the American top flight in terms of attendance. Messi’s Inter Miami had an average attendance of 29,778 in 2024. In 2022, before Messi’s arrival, they posted figures of just 17,000 — the second-lowest in the division.

Messi’s importance for Inter Miami and MLS cannot be overstated, so it is hardly a surprise that he is by far the highest-paid player in the division. Continue reading to explore how much the 37-year-old takes home as we take a look at the top five earners in the division.

Salary data: Inside World Football

#5 Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC): $6,295,381

Kicking off the list is former Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi, who earns a cool $6,295,381 in guaranteed wages each year. Bernardeschi joined MLS outfit Toronto FC in July 2022 after running down his contract with the Bianconeri. He will become a free agent at the end of December 2026.

Bernardeschi had a mediocre run in MLS 2024. He played 29 games in the competition, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. The 30-year-old must find a way to make more of an impact when the regular season returns in 2025.

#4 Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC): $6,772,500

Austin attacking midfielder Sebastian Driussi is the fourth name on this star-studded list. The 28-year-old earns a sizable $6,772,500 per year, with his contract with the club not expiring until the end of 2025.

Driussi played 27 regular season games in MLS 2024, scoring seven times and providing three assists. The output, although respectable in hindsight, is disappointing considering his caliber. Driuissi showcased his potential in MLS 2022, bagging 22 goals and five assists in 34 regular season matches.

#3 Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami): $8,774,996

One of Lionel Messi’s closest friends, Sergio Busquets is the highest-paid midfielder in the MLS. The former Barcelona defensive midfielder, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, takes home a guaranteed $8,774,996 in wages. His contract with the Herons runs until December 31, 2025.

The 36-year-old was one of the first names on Inter Miami’s team sheet as they topped the Eastern Conference rankings and won the Supporters’ Shield. He played 30 games in MLS 2024, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

#2 Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC): $15,400,000

Former Napoli ace Lorenzo Insigne is on a mammoth contract at Toronto FC. The 2020 European Championship winner earns $15,400,000 guaranteed, with his contract running until June 30, 2026.

The prolific left-winger missed quite a few matches due to hamstring and calf injuries in the 2024 regular season. He also looked below par in the matches he featured in. Insigne played 23 MLS matches in 2024, scoring four goals and providing six assists. Unfortunately, it was not enough to push Toronto into the MLS play-offs, with the Canadian outfit finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference rankings.

#1 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $20,446,667

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS 2024 with a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward sees his current deal with the Supporters’ Shield winners expire on December 31, 2025.

Messi could play only 19 regular season matches in MLS 2024 but directly contributed to a whopping 30 goals — 20 goals and 10 assists. His goal contributions proved crucial as Miami claimed the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in their history and qualified for the MLS Cup as the No. 1 seed.

Messi and Co. kicked off their MLS Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Atalanta United in the first game of the Round One Best-of-3 Series. Miami will travel to Atalanta United for the second leg on Saturday, November 2.