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Lionel Messi, MLS’s biggest star, is also its highest-paid player

Regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats, the 36-year-old Messi is in his first full season in the league.

May 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. EDT

In his first full season in MLS, Lionel Messi has recorded 10 goals and 12 assists in just nine appearances. (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

By a wide margin, Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi remains the top-paid player in MLS history with overall annual compensation of $20.4 million, according to MLS Players Association data released Thursday.

Regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats, the 36-year-old Argentine forward is in his first full season in the league following his celebrated arrival from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.