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Lionel Messi is set for an emotional showdown as Inter Miami meets PSG in the Club World Cup Round of 16 on June 29.
The Argentine forward, who scored 32 goals and provided 34 assists across two years for PSG, now leads his MLS side against the European champions.
His curling free kick against Porto helped Miami secure second place in their group, and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has now delivered 50 goals and 24 assists in just 62 games for the MLS side.
But as much as the spotlight is on his performance, the financial spotlight is even brighter.
The 2022 World Cup winner may be heading toward the end of his contract, but his earnings remain in a league of their own.
How much Lionel Messi earns in MLS
According to the Major League Soccer Players Association, the four-time UEFA Champions League winner earns a staggering $20,446,667 per year in total guaranteed compensation, which includes a $12 million base salary and covers marketing bonuses, agent fees, and other guaranteed income tied to his MLS deal, which runs through the 2025 season.
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This figure does not account for performance bonuses or additional deals with Inter Miami or its partners.
His salary alone is greater than the entire payroll of 21 MLS clubs.
Messi is one of 11 players in the league earning over $5 million. Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne is the second-highest-paid MLS player with a hefty $15.4 million salary. Messi’s teammate Sergio Busquets is next at $8.77 million, followed by Miguel Almiron and Hirving Lozano.
The league-wide average guaranteed compensation has climbed to $649,120, a 9.2 percent rise from last year
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