Lionel Messi Becomes Highest-Paid Player in MLS After MLS Cup Victory
Messi's Contract Extension and Salary Details
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, celebrated a significant achievement by clinching their first major trophy, the MLS Cup, at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Following this triumph, the club has opted to extend Messi's contract through the 2028 season. The MLS Players' Association has disclosed the salary figures for players from the previous season, revealing that Messi is now the highest-paid player in the league by a considerable margin. However, his earnings still fall short compared to Cristiano Ronaldo's salary at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Messi's new contract features a base salary of $25 million, which translates to approximately ₹257 crore. This amount is more than double the $12 million base salary he received under his initial contract signed in July 2023. Furthermore, his guaranteed compensation has increased to $28.3 million, or around ₹267 crore, up from the previous annual guarantee of $20.4 million. To highlight his standing in the league, Messi's earnings are now more than twice that of the second-highest-paid player, Son Heung-min from Los Angeles FC.
Comparing Messi's Earnings with Cristiano Ronaldo
While Messi's salary sets new records within the MLS, the broader football wage landscape presents a contrasting picture, especially when compared to his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. In June 2025, Ronaldo secured a remarkable contract extension with Al-Nassr, ensuring his stay at the club until 2027. Reports indicate that Ronaldo's annual earnings exceed $225 million (approximately ₹2,313 crore), with some estimates suggesting his total yearly compensation could be as high as $355 million (around ₹2,950 crore) when including bonuses and ownership stakes.
Even when considering only Ronaldo's salary from Al-Nassr, it surpasses Messi's guaranteed compensation of ₹267 crore in the MLS by more than eight times. Operating in a tax-free environment in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo's substantial base salary and recent bonuses have positioned him as football's first official billionaire.