Lionel Messi’s monumental impact on Major League Soccer continues to resonate, as the Argentine superstar has been confirmed as the highest-paid player in the league for the 2025 season, earning a staggering $28.3 million. This figure marks a notable increase from his previous year’s salary of $20.5 million, underscoring the financial clout Messi brings to the sport. The revelations come from the latest financial report by the MLS Players Association, which highlights the substantial earnings of players in the league.
Messi’s Earnings: A Global Phenomenon
While Messi’s salary at Inter Miami is remarkable, it is merely a fraction of his total income. Forbes estimates that the 38-year-old football icon amassed an impressive $135 million in 2025, placing him fifth on the list of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. He finds himself between NFL star Dak Prescott and NBA legend LeBron James, further solidifying his status as a global sports icon.
In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, another football titan, leads the pack with an astonishing $275 million, primarily driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr. Within MLS, the second-highest earner is South Korea’s Heung-min Son, pulling in $11.2 million, followed closely by Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul, who earns $9.7 million.
Canadian Players Making Their Mark
Canadian talents are also making waves in the league, with U.S. international Josh Sargent and German stalwart Thomas Müller as the top earners on Canadian teams. Sargent, who plays for Toronto FC, rakes in $5.3 million, while Müller earns $5.2 million with the Vancouver Whitecaps. These figures illustrate the competitive nature of salaries in the league, as Canadian players continue to find success.
Other notable salaries include Spanish midfielder Ivan Jaime, who leads CF Montreal with a salary of $2.1 million, and Toronto FC’s Djordje Mihailovic at $2.8 million. A number of other players from TFC have crossed the million-dollar mark, including centre back Walker Zimmerman and midfielder Jose Cifuentes, highlighting the depth of talent within the Canadian squads.
The Rising Salaries in MLS
The financial landscape of MLS is shifting, with players’ salaries reflecting the growing popularity of the league. Vancouver Whitecaps’ Ryan Gauld earns $3.7 million this season, while a handful of his teammates also enjoy lucrative contracts, such as winger Cheikh Sabaly and defender Sam Adekugbe, both at $1.4 million. This trend is mirrored across multiple clubs, with a number of players earning substantial sums for their contributions on the pitch.
Canadian players are well-represented, with Stephen Eustaquio at LAFC earning $1.8 million and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair making $808,730 at Inter Miami. The continued investment in player salaries not only highlights the increasing competitiveness of the league but also the international allure of soccer in North America.
Why it Matters
The escalating salaries in Major League Soccer underline the league’s evolution and its ambition to attract top-tier talent. With Messi’s presence elevating the profile of MLS, clubs are now more willing than ever to invest in their players. This shift not only enhances the quality of the game but also serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes across Canada and beyond, showcasing the potential for lucrative careers in soccer. As the league continues to grow, the financial viability of its players becomes a pivotal factor in its global standing and appeal.
