Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has been one of the most significant events in the history of American soccer, not just for the sport’s popularity but also for the financial implications it has brought to the league. Here’s a comprehensive report detailing how much Messi earns weekly from his MLS contract, based on factual information and credible sources.
Lionel Messi’s Contract with Inter Miami
Upon joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi signed a deal that has been widely discussed for its financial magnitude. According to multiple reliable sources, Messi’s contract is set up for approximately 2.5 years, with an option to extend into 2026. The annualised compensation from his Major League Soccer contract alone is reported to be around $20.4 million, which translates to a weekly salary of roughly $392,307. This figure does not include additional earnings from other endorsements or partnerships associated with his move to the U.S.
Breaking Down Messi’s Earnings:
Base Salary: Messi’s base salary from Inter Miami is documented at $12 million annually. This base salary, when broken down, gives him approximately $230,769 per week.
Guaranteed Compensation: Beyond the base salary, Messi’s contract includes a total guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667 for the 2024 season. This figure accounts for bonuses, marketing deals, and agent fees, pushing his weekly earnings closer to the $392,307 mark when spread evenly across the year.
Comparative Analysis:
Messi’s earnings are unparalleled within the MLS context. He earns more than the combined guaranteed compensation of 25 out of the 29 MLS teams’ entire rosters. This highlights the significant financial impact his presence has on the league’s salary structure.
His salary is notably higher than other top earners in the league. For instance, the second highest-paid player, Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC, earns a guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million, which is significantly less than Messi’s.
Additional Revenue Streams:
Messi’s move to MLS wasn’t just about his salary from Inter Miami. His contract reportedly includes an ownership stake in the team upon retirement, which adds to his long-term financial benefits from the deal.
Beyond the contract with Inter Miami, Messi’s association with Major League Soccer has led to a surge in league’s marketability. His impact can be seen in the form of increased ticket sales, with some reports suggesting he has generated at least $265 million in primary ticket sales since joining. This indirectly contributes to his value to the league and potentially to his earnings through revenue sharing agreements.
Messi’s deal also includes partnerships with major brands like Apple and Adidas, which are tied to MLS’s broadcasting rights and sponsorships respectively. These partnerships are believed to add significantly to his income, although exact figures aren’t public.
Global Impact on Soccer in the USA:
Messi’s financial package from MLS is not only about personal earnings but also about elevating the profile of soccer in the U.S. His presence has led to:
A dramatic increase in MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV.
Enhanced international visibility for MLS, bringing more viewers and potentially more lucrative sponsorship deals for the league.
Net Worth and Career Earnings:
Messi’s move to the USA has been part of his broader financial strategy. His net worth, already substantial from his time at Barcelona and PSG, has seen further growth. Reports estimate his net worth to be between $400 million to $600 million, with his MLS contract contributing to this figure significantly.
Over his career, Messi has accumulated earnings estimated at around $1.15 billion by Forbes, with his Major League contract pushing his career earnings closer to $1.6 billion.
Lionel Messi’s weekly earnings from Major League Soccer, when looking strictly at his contract with Inter Miami, are approximately $392,307. However, this figure only scratches the surface of his financial involvement with the league. His contract includes various bonuses, endorsements, and long-term benefits like team ownership that significantly amplify his financial footprint in MLS. Messi’s move has not only been a game-changer for his bank account but also for the league’s growth, visibility, and financial health, making him arguably the most impactful signing in MLS history.
NOTE: This report has been compiled using data from top-tier news sources, providing a factual overview of Messi’s earnings and broader economic influence within the Major League Soccer framework.
