Inter Miami Pays Lionel Messi Staggering $70-80 Million Annually

Owner Jorge Mas reveals the club's superstar forward earns a massive salary and bonuses.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas recently disclosed that the club pays its star player Lionel Messi between $70-80 million per year, including his base salary, guaranteed compensation, and bonuses. Messi, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has helped transform the club into a top MLS contender, winning multiple trophies.

Why it matters

Messi's massive salary at Inter Miami highlights the club's commitment to building a championship-caliber team and attracting global superstars to the MLS. The high-profile signing has also helped raise the profile and valuation of the franchise, now considered the most valuable club in the league.

The details

Messi, 38, signed an extension with Inter Miami last summer that keeps him at the club until the end of 2028. His base salary is $12 million, with a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667. However, when all bonuses and other compensation are factored in, Messi's total annual earnings reach an astounding $70-80 million, according to owner Jorge Mas.

  • Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.
  • Messi signed a contract extension with the club last summer, keeping him there until 2028.

The players

Lionel Messi

A 38-year-old Argentine footballer widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS.

Jorge Mas

The owner of Inter Miami CF, the MLS club that Lionel Messi plays for.

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What they’re saying

“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world-class is because players are expensive. I pay Messi — worth every penny — but it's $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.”

— Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Owner (ESPN)

What’s next

Messi is expected to play in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America before potentially retiring from international football.

The takeaway

Messi's massive salary at Inter Miami underscores the club's ambition to build a championship-caliber team and attract global superstars to the MLS, helping to raise the profile and valuation of the franchise to become the most valuable club in the league.