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Messi’s $28.3 M Salary Outpaces Almost All MLS Payrolls

5/14/2026

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi’s $28.3 million guaranteed salary exceeds the total payroll of every MLS club except LAFC.
Messi scored two goals and added an assist as Inter Miami won the match.
Son Heung-min and Rodrigo De Paul earned $11.2 million and $9.7 million respectively.
Philadelphia Union’s total payroll is $11.7 million.
Designated-player rules let clubs concentrate payroll on a few stars.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 MLS adopted the Designated Player Rule, letting clubs sign marquee talent outside the salary cap. David Beckham became the first DP, earning a guaranteed $6.5 million per year and raising the LA Galaxy payroll dramatically. The rule’s success paved the way for later stars such as Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami as a Designated Player.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi’s $28.3 million guaranteed salary exceeds the total payroll of every MLS club except LAFC.
Messi scored two goals and added an assist as Inter Miami won the match.
Son Heung-min and Rodrigo De Paul earned $11.2 million and $9.7 million respectively.
Philadelphia Union’s total payroll is $11.7 million.
Designated-player rules let clubs concentrate payroll on a few stars.

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