How did Lionel Messi earne more than 22 MLS teams in 2024?

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami made more money than the combined salaries of 22 other Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, while Olivier Giroud inked a contract with Los Angeles FC in July that pays him $3,675,000 a year.

Messi's basic pay of $12 million and his total remuneration of $20,446,667 from Inter Miami were unchanged from the original listing in May, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association's salary update, which was posted on Thursday.

Messi's earnings from his MLS contract, which expires in 2025, are included in those statistics, along with any marketing bonuses and agent fees. They do not take into consideration any performance bonuses or other contracts with the club or its affiliates.

With a record payroll of $41.7 million, Miami, the league's regular-season Supporters Shield champion, outperformed all other teams save Toronto ($31.8 million), Los Angeles FC ($22.1 million), the LA Galaxy ($22 million), and Nashville ($21.9 million). Messi was surpassed by footballers in Cincinnati ($21 million) as well as Houston ($20.5 million). The lowest payrolls are found in Dallas ($13.9 million), Philadelphia ($13.8 million), and Montreal ($11.4 million).

The 38-year-old striker Giroud left AC Milan for LA on a free transfer in July. His 2024 compensation is $2.8 million annually. At $8,499,996, Inter Miami playmaker Sergio Busquets has the second-highest pay in the league, with a total compensation of $8,774,996. The overall compensation for Toronto forward Lorenzo Insigne is $15.4 million, including a $7.5 million salary.

Lionel Messi favourite to win MLS MVP award this season

Lionel Messi is still the front-runner to win MLS MVP this year. Along with Herons teammate Luis Suarez, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is a strong candidate for that honour in 2024. Both of them have scored 20 goals so far this season, and their efforts have greatly helped Florida create even more history.

After winning the Supporters' Shield and shattering the single-season points record, Inter Miami is now aiming for MLS Cup triumph. Messi will try to set an example during the playoffs.