LOS ANGELES, 30 October (H.S.): Inter Miami’s eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC’s new star Son Heung-min debuting at number two. The latest salary figures were released on Wednesday by the MLS Players Association.
Messi receives a guaranteed annual compensation of $20.4 million from Inter Miami. This figure does not include his additional income from sponsorships and other agreements.
The Argentine superstar, who joined the club in mid-2023, has a current contract expiring in December and is slated to begin a new three-year deal next year, although its financial details have not been made public. The 38-year-old was recently named the regular season’s top scorer with 29 goals in 28 games and is a leading contender for the Most Valuable Player award.
South Korea’s Son Heung-min occupies the second spot, earning an $11.1 million annual salary from LAFC. The former Tottenham Hotspur captain arrived in August as part of the most expensive transfer in MLS history, valued at $26 million. He has made an immediate impact, scoring nine goals in ten matches and playing a crucial role in securing his team’s spot in the playoffs.
Other Top EarnersInter Miami’s Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets ranks third with an $8.7 million salary. He has announced his retirement at the end of this season.Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United is fourth on the list, earning $7.8 million annually.
Mexico’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who signed with San Diego FC this season, comes in fifth with a salary of $7.6 million.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
