The unfair wage gap between Messi, his Inter Miami teammates, and other MLS stars

The 2024 MLS Salary Guide, released recently, provides a comprehensive overview of player compensation, including base salaries and guaranteed compensation. The data reveals a stark disparity between Messi's earnings and those of his teammates, as well as the rest of the league.

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Messi tops the list with a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667. While his base salary is a substantial $12,000,000, the bulk of his earnings comes from various bonuses, including marketing deals and performance-based incentives.

Sergio Busquets, another high-profile signing for Inter Miami, comes in a distant second with a guaranteed compensation of $8,774,996. This highlights the significant gap between Messi's earnings and those of his former Barcelona teammate.

“The data clearly shows that Messi is in a league of his own when it comes to player salaries in MLS,” said press. “His global appeal and commercial value have allowed him to negotiate a deal that far exceeds the market rate for even the most established stars in the league.”

Beyond Messi and Busquets, other notable names on Inter Miami's roster include Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Julian Gressel. However, their salaries pale in comparison to the astronomical figures earned by the Argentine superstar.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in MLS

1. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF - $20,446,667
2. Lorenzo Insigne - Toronto FC - $15,400,000
3. Sergio Busquets - Inter Miami - $8,774,996
4. Xherdan Shaqiri - Chicago Fire - $8,153,000
5. Sebastian Driussi - Austin FC - $6,722,500
6. Federico Bernardeschi - Toronto FC - $6,295,381
7. Emil Fosrberg - NY Red Bulls - $6,035,625
8. Héctor Herrera - Houston Dynamo - $5,246,875
9. Hany Mukhtar - Nashville SC - $5,211,667
10. Carles Gil - New England Revolution - $4,452,083

Messi's arrival has undoubtedly elevated the MLS to new heights, attracting global attention and boosting the league's popularity. However, the significant disparity in salaries between Messi and his teammates raises questions about the sustainability of such high-profile signings and the potential impact on the league's salary structure.