Messi Salary: Is The Argentine Superstar Topping The Athlete Chart?

As Lionel Messi embarks on his new journey with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, he continues to astound the world, this time not just with his on-field wizardry, but also with his mind-boggling salary figures. Messi is currently earning a pre-tax salary of $54 million, an amount that firmly places him at the top of the athletes' earning chart and in a league of his own.
Yet, it's not just about the mammoth figures that Messi is raking in, it's also about the heavy taxes he is expected to pay. According to sports entrepreneur Andrew Petcash, Messi's annual tax outlay could exceed a staggering $22.3 million. It is a testament to Messi's immense earning potential and his contribution to the economy, which is as eye-catching as his mesmerizing play on the field.
Being the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi's unprecedented salary in the world of football not only underlines his enduring value as one of the best players in the history of the sport but also underscores the commercial power he wields. It is a reflection of the sports industry's financial might, where an athlete of Messi's caliber can command such extraordinary figures, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in sports earnings.
It's a new chapter in Messi's illustrious career, with his move to Inter Miami, and his salary tells a tale that is as captivating as his performances on the pitch - he continues to set the bar higher, both in sport and in finance.

Messi’s salary - a bit of a problem..or a big of problem?

A strict salary cap is not uncommon in American sports, and Major League Soccer (MLS) is no exception. This ensures parity among the teams and prevents one franchise from gaining an unfair advantage. However, Lionel Messi's groundbreaking salary at Inter Miami poses a significant question mark against this principle.
The "Designated Player" (DP) rule is the loophole that allows this astronomical wage. According to MLS regulations, teams can have up to three players earning $612,500 and above, well beyond the salary cap. This enables clubs to bring in high-profile players without disrupting the league's financial equilibrium.
To put things in perspective, Messi's $54 million annual salary may not seem like a colossal amount when compared to the highest earners in the NBA or the NFL. But in the context of MLS, it is a different story altogether. To help you understand the disparity, Messi's wage is greater than the entire payrolls of St. Louis City SC, Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bulls, and Orlando City combined. This stark contrast highlights the unprecedented magnitude of Messi's contract.
While Messi's signing is undoubtedly a landmark moment for MLS, his salary also raises some important questions. Is it sustainable for the league in the long run? And how will this influence the future of MLS? 

Could Messi make more elsewhere?

In the midst of negotiations with Inter Miami, Messi reportedly received an extraordinarily lucrative offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. This deal would have seen him pocket a staggering $440 million, more than eight times his current salary in the United States. Marca, a well-known Spanish sports newspaper, even reported that Al-Hilal's last offer to snatch Messi from Inter Miami was a mind-blowing $1.6 billion over three years (or $534M per year, compared to Ronaldo’s $200M+ per year contract with Al Nassr)
Despite the astronomical figures on offer, Messi opted to turn down Al-Hilal's proposal. Perhaps the decision was influenced by factors other than monetary gain, such as his family's preference or the allure of living in Miami. Nevertheless, the fact that Messi chose a significantly lower salary in MLS over a potentially life-altering offer from Saudi Arabia is a testament to the appeal of the American League and the city of Miami itself.

A stake in Inter Miami or a new franchise on the horizon for Messi when he hangs up the boots?

While Lionel Messi's move to the MLS may initially seem financially less rewarding compared to offers from clubs such as Al-Hilal, a deeper insight reveals an intriguing possibility. Rumors are afoot that Messi might have been offered a considerable 35% stake in Inter Miami. Such a stake could potentially see Messi amassing hundreds of millions in the coming years, turning his ostensibly less-profitable move into a lucrative long-term investment.
Furthermore, another intriguing option - albeit less probable - awaits Messi in the future. Echoing David Beckham's trailblazing move in 2007, Messi might have the option to own an expansion team at a nominal cost of just $25 million. In the contemporary financial landscape of football, such an investment is comparably minimal, or as it is often referred to, "peanuts." Thus, Messi's MLS move could be a stepping stone toward future football entrepreneurship, taking his football legacy beyond the pitch and into the realm of team ownership.

How does Messi’s salary compare to other top players in the US?

With a staggering $54 million annual salary during the 2023/24 seasons, Lionel Messi has effortlessly ascended to the zenith of American sports, outpacing even the highest earners in other major leagues.
In comparison to the National Basketball Association (NBA), Messi's earnings overshadow those of even the top earners. The NBA's highest-paid athletes for the upcoming season, such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic - the new face of the NBA, and LeBron James, pale in comparison. Curry, the highest earner of the group, is set to make about $52 million, falling short of Messi's $54 million. The rest of the NBA group, including Durant, Jokic, and James, will earn approximately $47.6 million, almost $6.5 million less than Messi.
Moreover, even in the National Football League (NFL), there are only a handful of players with salaries north of $50 million. This exclusive group, which includes Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson, earns between $50 and $52 million. Yet, even the highest earner among them, Jackson, with his $52 million salary, does not reach Messi's pay scale.