MLS Salaries 2026: Unveiling Lionel Messi's Earnings and Top-Earning Stars at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer just 10 days after Argentina's painful World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. Following the final loss, Messi spoke about the immense pain he felt and his need for some time to recover. Consequently, Messi missed Miami's first two matches after the World Cup break against Chicago and Montreal.

He also sat out the All-Star Game in Charlotte. During this period, Messi spent time with his ailing father, who unfortunately passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. While the spotlight remains firmly on Messi in MLS, several other star names are making waves in the league as well.

Inter Miami has signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to strengthen an already formidable squad that features Luis Suarez. Additionally, Robert Lewandowski became the latest major star to join MLS, signing with Chicago Fire following a memorable stint with Barcelona. Although these veterans might be past their prime, they are still performing at a high level and commanding top dollar for their efforts.

Below is the list of the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer for 2026, compiled from salaryleaks.com, capology.com, spotrac.com, and various reports.

Top Earners at Major League Soccer for 2026

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $545,000 per week
2. Casemiro (Inter Miami) – $325,000 per week
3. Robert Lewandowski (Chicago Fire) – $325,000 per week
4. Son Heung-min (LAFC) – $214,000 per week
5. Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) – $186,000 per week
6. Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) – $115,000 a week
7. Hirving Lozano (LA Galaxy) – $115,000 per week
8. Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) – $114,000 per week
9. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) – $104,000 per week
10. Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls) – $103,000 per week
11. Josh Sargent (Toronto FC) – $101,000 per week
12. Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps) – $99,000 per week
13. Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) – $98,000 per week
14. Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire) – $96,000 per week
15. Alexey Miranchuk (Atlanta United) – $96,000 per week
16. Carles Gil (New England Revolution) – $95,000 per week
17. Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy) – $86,000 per week
18. Timo Werner (San Jose Earthquakes) – $82,000 per week
19. Denis Bouanga (LA FC) – $76,000 per week
20. Kevin Denkey (Cincinnati FC) – $73,000 per week