Soccer

Lionel Messi’s MLS salary compared to LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Patrick Mahomes, and other major sports stars

The 36-year-old Argentine World Cup winner is headed to Major League Soccer and is reported to earn in the range of $50-60 million yearly.

Lionel Messi with Argentina's national team
© Daniel Jayo/Getty ImagesLionel Messi with Argentina's national team

Lionel Messi is coming to Major League Soccer and Inter Miami; the cat is out of the bag and what was an announcement by Messi is slowly turning into reality. Reports have indicated that Messi has agreed to 100% of the terms of his new MLS deal and it will make him one of the highest paid athletes in the United States.

On salary alone, Messi will earn within the $50-60 million range, as confirmed by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. Then Messi is set to make a lot more on the Apple TV revenue share deal, and a revenue share deal with adidas.

Lionel Messi's contract details with Inter Miami are finally revealed

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So how does the former PSG star stack up with other major athletes in the NBA, NFL, and MLB? Messi can’t complain as he is almost on top of the mountain.

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Lionel Messi’s MLS salary when compared to other sporting greats in US

If we take as a base that Messi will be earning $60 million only on salary, the Argentine makes more than LeBron James, who according to Forbes, earns on the court $44.5 million. Messi makes more than Stephen Curry who is at $48.4 million annually.

Denver Broncos star Russell Wilson is at $72 million, but in regard to NFL contracts Messi will earn more than Patrick Mahomes ($39.3M), Aaron Rodgers ($42M), and Orlando Brown Jr. ($48.5M).

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In terms of the MLB, Messi earns more than Shohei Ohtani ($33M), Shohei Ohtani ($58.3M), Mike Trout ($35,5M), and Justin Verlander ($43.3M).

Inter Miami to reunite Messi with former PSG teammate

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When it comes to other sports Messi is far behind boxer Canelo Alvarez who earns $100 million. Messi earns substantially more than the highest paid NHL player Connor McDavid who makes $12.5 million.

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