Lionel Messi’s impact on U.S. soccer is not only measured in goals or titles, it is also reflected in historical economic figures, such as his salary. Recently, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas publicly revealed how much the Argentine star has actually earned since his arrival in Major League Soccer(MLS).
The figure is surprising even by professional sports standards: Messi receives between $70 million and $80 million a year from the Miami club when salary, commercial agreements and team participation are added together. For many Hispanic fans who follow the growth of soccer in the United States, this figure confirms the enormous impact the world champion has on and off the field.
How much Lionel Messi really earns at Inter Miami
Although the total number exceeds $70 million per year, Messi’s contract structure is more complex than a simple salary.
According to official information from the MLS players’ union, Messi has a base salary of $12 million per year and a guaranteed compensation of close to $20.4 million.
However, the final figure increases considerably due to several additional agreements included in his contract:
Future ownership interest in the club
Shared revenue from broadcast agreement with Apple
Commercial contracts linked to league and sponsorships
These benefits bring the annual total to the range of US$70 to US$80 million, Mas explained in an interview.
Why Inter Miami can pay you so much money
The club’s owner himself explained that to sustain a contract at this level, global sponsors are essential.
In fact, around 55% of the club’s income comes from sponsorship and commercial agreements, which allows it to finance the salary of a star like Messi.
The arrival of the Argentinean has also boosted the economic value of the team.
Inter Miami has become the most valuable franchise in MLS, with a valuation approaching $1.45 billion, driven in large part by the “Messi effect.”
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The contract that will keep Messi in MLS
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and subsequently signed a contract extension that ties him to the club through the 2028 season.
This means that the world champion could continue playing in the United States until the age of 41, cementing his legacy in the North American league.
Since his arrival, the club has experienced one of the most successful periods in its history, including titles and a huge expansion of its global audience.
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