Lionel Messi earns up to $80 million yearly as Inter Miami investment continues to grow
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 10, 2026, 01:07 IST
Lionel Messi earns up to $80 million yearly as Inter Miami investment continues to grow
Lionel Messi continues to be a major investment for Inter Miami CF, with owner Jorge Mas revealing that the global star earns between $70 million and $80 million annually through his overall deal with the club. While the MLS Players Association lists Messi’s guaranteed salary at about $20.45 million, his total earnings rise significantly due to commercial partnerships and an ownership stake in the franchise. The Argentine icon, now 38, extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028 and has played a key role in the club’s rapid rise. In 2025, Messi led the team to its first Major League Soccer championship and captured a second consecutive MVP award. Off the field, Inter Miami’s value has surged to roughly $1.45 billion. The club is also preparing to open its new home, Miami Freedom Park, further strengthening its long-term ambitions.
Inter Miami CF continues to invest heavily in its biggest star, with owner Jorge Mas revealing that Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million each year through his overall deal with the club.
Messi’s official salary listed by the MLS Players Association is about $20.45 million in guaranteed pay, the highest in Major League Soccer. However, his full earnings are much higher because his agreement also includes a share in the ownership of Inter Miami along with several commercial partnerships connected to the league.
Mas explained the scale of the investment while speaking about the club’s finances. “I pay Messi, worth every penny, but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year,” he said.
Messi, now 38, extended his contract with Inter Miami last year and will stay with the team until 2028. Along with his playing deal, he also benefits from partnerships with companies like Fanatics and Apple, which include revenue linked to league merchandise sales and subscriptions to MLS streaming coverage.
The Argentine legend helped Inter Miami reach new heights on the field. In 2025 he led the club to the MLS Cup title and also won his second straight MLS Most Valuable Player Award.
Mas said signing global stars is part of the club’s long term vision. “The reason we need world class sponsors is because players are expensive,” he said.
Off the field, the club’s value has also grown quickly. According to Sportico, Inter Miami is now worth around $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable team in MLS. The team is also preparing to open a new stadium called Miami Freedom Park next month, which will become the club’s permanent home in Miami.
Messi’s official salary listed by the MLS Players Association is about $20.45 million in guaranteed pay, the highest in Major League Soccer. However, his full earnings are much higher because his agreement also includes a share in the ownership of Inter Miami along with several commercial partnerships connected to the league.
Mas explained the scale of the investment while speaking about the club’s finances. “I pay Messi, worth every penny, but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year,” he said.
Messi, now 38, extended his contract with Inter Miami last year and will stay with the team until 2028. Along with his playing deal, he also benefits from partnerships with companies like Fanatics and Apple, which include revenue linked to league merchandise sales and subscriptions to MLS streaming coverage.
The Argentine legend helped Inter Miami reach new heights on the field. In 2025 he led the club to the MLS Cup title and also won his second straight MLS Most Valuable Player Award.
Mas said signing global stars is part of the club’s long term vision. “The reason we need world class sponsors is because players are expensive,” he said.
Off the field, the club’s value has also grown quickly. According to Sportico, Inter Miami is now worth around $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable team in MLS. The team is also preparing to open a new stadium called Miami Freedom Park next month, which will become the club’s permanent home in Miami.