Lionel Messi is MLS’s highest-paid player in the MLSPA’s 2026 spring salary guide. The guide lists his annual base salary at $25 million and his annualized guaranteed compensation at $28,333,333. Those are different measures of his MLS contract compensation—not a complete accounting of his income from endorsements or other commercial arrangements.
How much does Lionel Messi make in MLS?
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) lists Messi, with Inter Miami, at a $25,000,000 annual base salary and $28,333,333 in annualized guaranteed compensation. These figures describe players under contract as of April 16, 2026, so the guide is a dated snapshot, not a live payroll tracker. See the MLSPA salary guide.
Base salary and guaranteed compensation are not the same
Base salary is the annual salary amount listed for a player. Guaranteed compensation can also account for items such as a signing bonus, spread across the contract years covered by the guide’s calculation. That is why Messi’s guaranteed-compensation figure is higher than his base salary.
The MLSPA illustrates the method with a hypothetical player earning a $500,000 annual base salary on a contract with a two-year initial term and two one-year option years, plus a $100,000 signing bonus. Dividing the bonus across all four contract years produces average annual guaranteed compensation of $525,000. The guide explains its methodology.
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- TEAM | Lionel Messi – Argentina National Team – Show your Albiceleste pride with this classic 3-piece fan pack, inspired by Lionel Messi and designed for young fans who want to represent their favorite national team in everyday style
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED GEAR | Crafted by Icon Sports, this officially licensed product meets high standards of quality and attention to detail. Featuring Argentina’s official colors and national team crest, it’s designed for lasting durability and authentic supporter style.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND MACHINE WASHABLE | Each set includes a breathable short-sleeve shirt, athletic shorts, and matching crew socks made from durable, moisture-wicking fabric. The entire set is machine washable for easy cleaning and everyday convenience.
- PURPOSE | Complete Soccer Outfit – Perfect for practice sessions, casual wear, or game day celebrations, this coordinated set provides young supporters with a full match-ready look. Designed for comfort, movement, and easy care on and off the field
- CHILD SAFETY TESTED | Manufactured in accordance with U.S. safety regulations for children’s products, with materials, graphics, and trims tested through approved third-party laboratories to help ensure safe intended use
Messi remains above the rest of the league
Messi’s $28,333,333 in annualized guaranteed compensation puts him at the top of the MLSPA’s 2026 guide. BBC Sport independently reported him as MLS’s highest-paid player, citing $25 million in base salary and $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation. BBC Sport’s report.
For league-wide context, Sports Illustrated reported an average guaranteed compensation of $688,816 for the 2026 release. That figure is attributed to the publication’s report; it should not be read as Messi’s earnings or as a typical player’s pay. Sports Illustrated’s coverage.
Rank #2
- TEAM | Lionel Messi – Argentina National Team – Show your Albiceleste pride with this classic 3-piece fan pack, inspired by Lionel Messi and designed for young fans who want to represent their favorite national team in everyday style
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED GEAR | Crafted by Icon Sports, this officially licensed product meets high standards of quality and attention to detail. Featuring Argentina’s official colors and national team crest, it’s designed for lasting durability and authentic supporter style.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND MACHINE WASHABLE | Each set includes a breathable short-sleeve shirt, athletic shorts, and matching crew socks made from durable, moisture-wicking fabric. The entire set is machine washable for easy cleaning and everyday convenience.
- PURPOSE | Complete Soccer Outfit – Perfect for practice sessions, casual wear, or game day celebrations, this coordinated set provides young supporters with a full match-ready look. Designed for comfort, movement, and easy care on and off the field
- CHILD SAFETY TESTED | Manufactured in accordance with U.S. safety regulations for children’s products, with materials, graphics, and trims tested through approved third-party laboratories to help ensure safe intended use
What the salary figure does—and does not—cover
The guide concerns MLS contract compensation. It does not establish Messi’s total income from endorsements, sponsorships, or other commercial arrangements. BBC Sport likewise reports the contract figures as salary and guaranteed compensation, not as an all-source earnings total. Salary-guide compensation should also not be confused with a club’s salary-budget charge, which is a distinct measure.
Because the MLSPA figures reflect contracts in place on April 16, 2026, later contract changes would not necessarily appear in this snapshot. The date matters when comparing the guide with newer reports or payroll information.
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- TEAM | Lionel Messi – Argentina National Team – Show your Albiceleste pride with this classic 3-piece fan pack, inspired by Lionel Messi and designed for young fans who want to represent their favorite national team in everyday style
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED GEAR | Crafted by Icon Sports, this officially licensed product meets high standards of quality and attention to detail. Featuring Argentina’s official colors and national team crest, it’s designed for lasting durability and authentic supporter style.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND MACHINE WASHABLE | Each set includes a breathable short-sleeve shirt, athletic shorts, and matching crew socks made from durable, moisture-wicking fabric. The entire set is machine washable for easy cleaning and everyday convenience.
- PURPOSE | Complete Soccer Outfit – Perfect for practice sessions, casual wear, or game day celebrations, this coordinated set provides young supporters with a full match-ready look. Designed for comfort, movement, and easy care on and off the field
- CHILD SAFETY TESTED | Manufactured in accordance with U.S. safety regulations for children’s products, with materials, graphics, and trims tested through approved third-party laboratories to help ensure safe intended use
Rank #4
- COLLECTIBLE FOR SOCCER FANS – The LEGO Editions Lionel Messi – Soccer Highlights (43011) building toy for boys and girls ages 10 years old and up lets young fans build a displayable tribute to their favorite player
- DETAILED DISPLAY BASE – Builders can construct a scene featuring a base that forms Messi's initial, the colors of Argentina's national team, his iconic number 10 and a collectible plaque with player stats
- MINIFIGURE & HIDDEN DETAILS – A Lionel Messi minifigure brings the scene to life, and the set includes fun Easter eggs from his life and career for fans to discover
- KIDS' ROOM DECOR – Fans can show off their completed build on a bookshelf, in their bedroom or alongside other LEGO Soccer Highlights sets (sold separately)
- GIFT FOR BOYS & GIRLS – Makes a great birthday or special occasion gift for kids and sports enthusiasts who love soccer and collect Lionel Messi merch
Rank #3
- This Messi Number 10 AFA Performance Shirt is ideal for teenagers, Young Kids, and Little Kids.
- Official Messi #10 Design – Features bold black numbers with gold outline on both front and back, honoring Argentina’s legendary playmaker.
- Licensed AFA Crest – Includes the authentic emblem of the Argentine Football Association, stitched for premium quality and fan pride
- Comfortable Fit for Kids – Made from lightweight, breathable fabric with a smooth finish, perfect for everyday wear or soccer practice.
- Iconic Argentina Colors – Classic light blue and white vertical stripes with black and gold trim for a true national team look. Perfect Gift for Young Fans – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or match day celebrations—let your child show off their love for Messi and Argentina.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
