The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) released its highly anticipated salary guide for the 2026 season on Tuesday, and the data reveals a widening chasm between the league’s global superstars and the rest of the pack.
While Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi remains in a financial stratosphere of his own, the list of top earners features a mix of savvy European recruitment, significant contract extensions, and one particularly awkward situation in Southern California.
The Uncatchable King: Messi’s $28.3M
For the third consecutive year, Lionel Messi tops the list. The Inter Miami captain and World Cup champion has a guaranteed compensation of $28.3 million for the 2026 season .
While that figure alone is eye-watering—more than the entire payroll of two-thirds of the league’s teams—it is actually just the tip of the iceberg. Sources reveal that Messi’s total annual package from Inter Miami, including his ownership stake in the club and endorsement arrangements, is estimated to be between $70 million and $80 million . The 38-year-old is currently preparing to lead Argentina into the defense of their World Cup title next month and shows no signs of slowing down on the field, having scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season matches for Miami .
The Top 10 (Guaranteed Compensation)
Here is the breakdown of the league’s highest earners for 2026, according to the MLSPA:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $28.3M
- Heung-min Son (LAFC): $11.2M
- Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami): $9.7M
- Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC): $9.3M
- Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United): $7.9M
- Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls): $6.0M
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC): $5.9M
- Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy): $5.8M
- Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire): $5.6M
- Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC): $5.4M
The $9 Million Man Who Doesn’t Play
The most intriguing name on this list might be Hirving “Chucky” Lozano at No. 4. The Mexican international is earning $9.3 million with San Diego FC, yet reports indicate he continues to be “frozen out” by the team’s coaching staff, having not played a competitive minute for the club since November . It represents one of the most expensive benchings in league history.
Nashville Secures Its MVP Candidate
The biggest “homegrown” success story on the list is Sam Surridge. The English striker finished fifth in MVP voting last season and was rewarded with a contract extension that saw his salary jump by over $2 million. His $5.9 million guaranteed compensation makes him the highest-paid player for Nashville SC, which currently holds the eighth-highest payroll in the league .
The Injury Exception: Riqui Puig’s $5.8M
LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig ranks 8th with $5.8 million, a remarkable figure given his current status. The former Barcelona star is currently on the season-ending injury list after undergoing his second major knee surgery (ACL) in as many years. He missed the entire 2025 season and is expected to miss all of 2026. Under MLS rules, the Galaxy could place Puig on the injured list to free up a Designated Player slot, but they have opted to keep him on the roster, honoring his full salary .
Team Spending & MLS Economics
The league’s total compensation has risen to $631 million, with the average guaranteed salary sitting at $688,816—an 8.9% increase from 2025 .
· Biggest Spenders: Inter Miami has a total wage bill of $54.6 million, nearly $20 million higher than the second-place LAFC ($32.75M) .
· The Rebuild: Atlanta United has surged into the top three spenders ($26.4M), fueled by the $7.9M salary of Miguel Almirón and the arrival of new Designated Players .
· Frugal Kings: The Philadelphia Union maintained their reputation as the league’s most budget-conscious club, with a total payroll of just $11.7 million .
Context: The Designated Player Rule
It is worth noting that these salaries are only possible due to the Designated Player (DP) Rule, colloquially known as the “Beckham Rule.” Introduced in 2007 to allow David Beckham to join LA Galaxy, the rule permits clubs to sign up to three players outside of the strict salary cap .
Inter Miami currently uses its three DP spots on Messi, De Paul, and German Berterame. As the league’s salary data drops, speculation is already turning to the summer transfer window, where clubs like Orlando City (set to sign Antoine Griezmann) and LA Galaxy (linked to Casemiro) are looking to use DP slots to reshape the 2026 title race .
