Lionel Messi, the Argentine star considered by many as the greatest footballer of all time, revolutionized Major League Soccer with his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 and has been reaping success ever since.
His signing not only elevated the level of soccer in the US but also transformed the commercial landscape of the league, attracting millions of eyes to every match he plays, including major sports celebrities and from all fields.
However, beyond the media and sporting impact, one of the biggest mysteries following his arrival was the financial aspect: how much does he earn at David Beckham‘s club? Well, his salary is truly impressive…
What is Lionel Messi’s salary?
Lionel Messi’s salary is impressive. His contract guarantees him a base salary of $12 million per year, but with bonuses and additional compensations, his total earnings exceed $20 million per season, according to ESPN.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami celebrates scoring his third goal during the second half against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium on October 19, 2024. (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
This figure undeniably makes him the highest-paid player in MLS, with a staggering gap compared to his teammates and other stars in the league, where such astronomical salaries are not the norm.
While names like Lorenzo Insigne also rank among the highest earners, none come close to his financial magnitude. But his economic impact doesn’t stop there—he also maintains lucrative sponsorship deals.
Not only did he sign a contract with Inter Miami, but he also secured strategic agreements with Apple and Adidas, granting him a share of the revenue generated from jersey sales and MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV.
Since his arrival, the “Messi effect” has been undeniable: MLS stadiums sell out whenever he plays, Inter Miami’s social media has exploded in followers and viewership numbers have shattered records.
How much does Lionel Messi earn in a week?
With a guaranteed annual compensation of $20 million with Inter Miami, according to the MLS Players Association, Lionel Messi would earn an amount equivalent to approximately $393,205 per week.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF on March 13, 2025. (Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
This means that he earns $56,172 per day, and if we break down his earnings further, Messi would be making approximately $2,340 per hour. The only official figure that has been confirmed is his annual salary, according to ESPN.
Although he is the highest-paid player in the league, his weekly salary is lower compared to other international soccer players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a weekly salary of $3.2 million at the Saudi club Al Nassr.
Lionel Messi’s additional income and net worth
Beyond his salary at Inter Miami, Messi has multiple sponsorship deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser, which significantly boost his earnings and contribute to his $850 million net worth, as Celebrity Net Worth reported.
In just one year, the talented Argentine player has turned his club into a media and commercial powerhouse, making his signing much more than just a transfer—it’s a phenomenon that is redefining soccer in the United States.
