Report: Lionel Messi set to make more per year in MLS than any NFL player

Lionel Messi may not be the most popular athlete in the U.S. when he makes his move to Inter Miami, but he will sure be the wealthiest.

According to a report from Alex Silverman of Sports Business Journal, Messi will receive a compensation package from Inter Miami worth $50-60 million per year. The package includes signing bonus, salary, and equity in the club.

Based on the reported figure, Messi will earn more annually than any player in any of the main professional sports leagues in the U.S. A hefty salary, yes, for perhaps the greatest soccer player of all-time, but still well short of what he could have earned if he would have signed on to play in Saudi Arabia. Per 90 Min, Messi could’ve brought in a salary worth $440m (£344m) had he decided to join 18-time Saudi Pro League winners Al-Hilal this summer.

Instead, Messi made the decision to join Inter Miami, becoming the most high-profiled player to come to MLS.

“Having the world’s greatest player here is something that is significant for our league, and for the football ecosystem in the United States… Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference,” Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said Monday, via the Miami Herald. “I think it’s incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment.”

Messi, 35, announced his intentions to play for Inter Miami on June 7. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is coming off a World Cup victory in 2022 with his native Argentina. He wrapped up a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain, helping them win a Ligue 1 title. Messi recorded 16 assists and 16 goals in 32 appearances in Ligue 1.

Lionel Messi spurns Saudi Arabia, Barcelona for Inter Miami

Along with Al-Hilal, Messi notably turned down a return to FC Barcelona, the club which he led to four UEFA Champions League and 10 La Liga titles.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more. Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”