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The Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States recently released its roster of the most handsomely compensated soccer players within the league, and unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi reigns supreme as the highest earner. Under the terms of his agreement with Inter Miami, the Argentine icon commands an annual paycheck of $12 million, which serves as his foundational salary.
When you factor in the assorted add-ons, the grand total of his earnings swells to an astounding $20.5 million. Securing the second spot on this exclusive list is Lorenzo Insigne, who dons the jersey of Toronto. The Italian forward boasts a steady income of $7.5 million every season, with performance-related bonuses pushing his overall earnings to a noteworthy $15.4 million.
Taking the third place in the echelons of MLS wealth is Xherdan Shaqiri, a key player for the Swiss national team. His deal with the Chicago franchise ensures he pockets a cool $8.1 million annually, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league.
These staggering figures underscore the growing allure of the MLS as a magnet for top talent
The top five in this coveted ranking also includes Javier Hernandez, affectionately known as Chicharito, who plies his trade with the LA Galaxy and commands an annual salary of $7.4 million.
Not far behind is Federico Bernardeschi of Toronto, who enjoys a substantial income of $6.2 million per season. In the immediate wake of these luminaries, we find Sebastian Druisi, who represents Austin and enjoys an annual compensation of $6.02 million.
The talented Hector Herrera, donning the colors of Houston, ranks eighth in the list, amassing a respectable $5.2 million. Further down the line, Douglas Costa, affiliated with the LA Galaxy, accrues $4.5 million in earnings.
Christian Benteke, a prominent figure at DC United, reaps the rewards of a $4.4 million salary, while Joseph Martinez, also affiliated with Inter Miami, rounds off the list of top earners with a sumptuous $4.3 million. These staggering figures underscore the growing allure of the MLS as a magnet for top talent and a hotspot for soccer enthusiasts across the United States of America and beyond.