Top five earners in MLS 2025; Lionel Messi, Miguel Almiron & more

The MLS player salaries have been released.

The 2025 Major League Soccer season’s salary list has been released, and it’s not surprising to see some of the big names in the top five earners.

One of those players is Lionel Messi. As always, he is at the top of the list. The star of Inter Miami earns €17.4M a year. His income is, although way more than just that, due to significant endorsement and brand deals.

While several well-known names did not make the top five, Messi is joined by the other players and one Inter Miami veteran star. Which MLS players are making the most money this season? Find out.

Top five earners in MLS 2025 season

5. Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC) – €6.5M

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, a Mexican forward, has become one of the league’s most notable players since entering Major League Soccer. That is true for both his on-field accomplishments and his outstanding play. Lozano, who plays for San Diego, has contributed five goals and five assists in 14 games this season.

There is no denying Lozano’s influence in the MLS, and his salary is commensurate with his worth. With a salary of €6.5 million in 2025, he ranks among the league’s top five highest-paid players.

4. Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) – €6.7M

After spending six years at Newcastle United, Miguel Almiron joined Atlanta United this year in January and instantly became one of the highest-paid players in the league. The midfielder makes €6.7M in MLS and is Atlanta’s most crucial player.

Although the club are enduring a sluggish season as they are 14th in the Eastern Conference League, the Paraguayan is making good money during his time at the club.

3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) – €7.4M

On the third, we have an Inter Miami player, Sergio Busquets. He pockets a substantial amount of money while playing for the Herons. The midfielder joined the club in 2023 and has been influential in the success of the Florida-based club.

The Spanish sensation earns an impressive €7.4M salary in MLS, which indicates his value at the club. But that income can further increase with brand deals and endorsements. It overall makes Busquets one of the most valuable players in the league.

Una imagen que nos trae recuerdos.Sergio Busquets 🤝 Luis Enrique.pic.twitter.com/L650Xnivpr

— MLS Español (@MLSes) June 29, 2025

2. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) – €13.1M

With an MLS salary guarantee of €13.1 million, Toronto FC attacker Lorenzo Insigne comes second on the list. One of his team’s best players, the forward is valuable both on and off the field. He is the second-highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, only surpassed by Lionel Messi.

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – €17.4M

With a total guaranteed salary of €17.4 million, Lionel Messi, a forward for Inter Miami, is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the second consecutive year, according to figures made public by the MLS Players Association.

The sum only covers Lionel Messi’s playing salary, as it has in years past. The Argentina star also receives income from other sources, including his endorsement contract with Adidas and a revenue-sharing arrangement with league broadcast partner Apple, making him the best paid in MLS.

Winning on and off the pitch 🤑Lionel Messi is MLS’s top earner this season 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TES7L2HvWO

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 28, 2025

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