Inter Miami's Lionel Messi financial risk laid bare with hard-to-believe stat

23 October 2023 , 15:09

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Lionel Messi, who is chasing an eighth Ballon d'Or, is the highest-paid player in MLS (Image: AP)

Lionel Messi ’s total financial package at Inter Miami is more than the entire payrolls of 25 MLS franchises as the cost of signing the world’s best player becomes apparent.

Since arriving in the United States, Messi has taken over as club captain and scored 11 goals in 14 matches - including a stunning strike in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC as Inter Miami secured its first piece of silverware in club history. His deific reputation means fans and players alike have fawned over the Argentine since his arrival - but his services did not come cheap.

As part of his contract, Messi will reportedly receive a compensation package that includes part of Apple TV’s revenue generated by MLS Season Pass as well as a share of Adidas profits from his arrival in MLS. However, Messi’s full salary and package has been revealed in the 2023 MLS players salary guide.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or champion boasts a base salary of $12million (£10m) with a guaranteed compensation of more than $20m (£16m). His guaranteed compensation is more than $5m (£4m) more than the next highest player, which is Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC at $15.4m (£12.6m).

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In fact, Messi’s guaranteed compensation is greater than the entire payrolls of all but four MLS teams; only Inter Miami CF, Toronto FC, Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC boast payrolls larger than Messi’s guaranteed package with the Florida franchise. Remarkably, Messi earns more than his contract suggests.

Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told Spanish outlet El Pais that Messi’s total compensation, which includes a cut from the 10-year deal worth $2.5billion struck between MLS and Apple TV. Messi reportedly earns between $50m (£41m) and $60m (£49m) from the deal, leaving him as the second highest-paid soccer player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Forbes, Messi’s on-field and off-field compensation totals $135m (£110m). It dwarfs other tams’ payroll, let alone another player’s earnings.

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami sparked a big moment for football in the American sporting landscape (Getty Images)

Earlier this year, MLS commissioner Don Garber admitted he was doing his best to help Miami secure the services of Messi given a marquee acquisition would hugely benefit the league and its lucrative partner in Apple TV. It was a move worth every penny when Messi was fit and firing, with Inter Miami becoming one of the most talked about teams across sports.

Messi, joined at David Beckham ’s club by former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, saw his prodigious form translate from Europe to the United States before injuries hampered his season. Back in August, he explained why he decided to join Inter Miami over other offers, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

“My decision went through many things, we thought about it with my wife, my children were also part of the decision, the family in general,” Messi told reporters. “I just came to play and enjoy football, which is what I've liked all my life. I chose [Miami] for that, above all else, and I'm very happy with the decision we made.”

Andrew Gamble