Major League Soccer (MLS) has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the ’90s. Now, it’s not just a launching pad for American talent — it’s become a legitimate destination for global superstars. With its expanding popularity, new franchises, and ever-increasing revenue, the league is dishing out serious cash to attract (and keep) world-class talent.
So, who’s topping the salary charts in 2025? Let’s break down the highest-paid players in MLS right now, and what they’re bringing to the table.
🐐 Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
💰 Estimated Total Earnings: $50M – $60M+ (including endorsements)
💵 MLS Salary: $20.4M (guaranteed compensation)
No surprise here. The GOAT is still the highest-paid player in MLS — by far. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 sent shockwaves through the footballing world, and two seasons later, he’s still raking it in. Beyond his base salary, Messi earns big through Apple revenue-sharing deals, merchandise, and endorsements.
More than just money, though, Messi’s presence has completely transformed Inter Miami and MLS’s global image. He’s not just the top earner — he’s the face of the league.
🇮🇹 Lorenzo Insigne – Toronto FC
💵 Salary: $15.4M
Insigne made headlines when he left Napoli for Toronto, and his paycheck explains why. At over $15 million per season, he remains one of the league’s most expensive (and stylish) imports. Injuries slowed him in 2023–24, but when fit, his vision and technique make Toronto a real threat in the East.
🧠 Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami CF
💵 Salary: $8.7M
Busquets isn’t just here for vibes — he’s anchoring the midfield and letting Messi do his thing. His calm presence and elite football IQ make him one of the smartest additions to the league, and Inter Miami didn’t hesitate to pay him accordingly.
🎨 Xherdan Shaqiri – Chicago Fire
💵 Salary: $8.1M
The Swiss powerhouse continues to be the highest-paid player in Chicago Fire history. While his form has had its ups and downs, when Shaqiri is on, he’s on. He’s got that clutch gene and flair that makes fans sit up in their seats.
🎯 Sebastián Driussi – Austin FC
💵 Salary: $6.7M
Austin’s golden boy remains one of the league’s most consistent forwards. With a sharp eye for goal and a lethal left foot, Driussi’s salary reflects his star status in Texas. He’s not just Austin’s MVP — he’s a fan favorite league-wide.
🌀 Federico Bernardeschi – Toronto FC
💵 Salary: $6.2M
Insigne’s Italian teammate brings energy, trickery, and some serious long-range screamers to the table. Bernardeschi’s flair and attacking drive make him one of MLS’s most exciting wingers — and his paycheck shows Toronto’s commitment to star power.
🔍 Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls
💵 Salary: $6M
The Swedish veteran brings years of Bundesliga experience to a younger Red Bulls side. With pinpoint passing and calm leadership, Forsberg is helping NYRB rebuild — and doing so as one of the highest-paid midfielders in the league.
✨ Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC
💵 Salary: $5.2M
Mukhtar is MLS royalty at this point. The 2022 MVP continues to dazzle for Nashville, creating chances and banging in goals like clockwork. He might not have the European pedigree of some others on this list, but his influence is second to none.
🦁 Christian Benteke – D.C. United
💵 Salary: $4.4M
The Belgian bruiser is thriving in MLS. He’s physical, he’s clinical, and he’s made D.C. United relevant again. Benteke’s ability to dominate defenders has made him a standout — and he’s paid like one.
⚡ Luis Muriel – Orlando City SC
💵 Salary: $4.3M
A recent arrival from Atalanta, Muriel brings serious speed and flair to Orlando. Still adapting to the league, but expectations (and salary) are sky-high.
🎯 Luciano Acosta – FC Cincinnati
💵 Salary: $4.2M
Acosta is a magician in midfield — and one of the most underappreciated players in the league. Cincinnati built their team around him, and it’s paying off in wins and wages.
Final Thoughts 💭
The salaries in MLS have exploded in recent years — and that’s a good thing. As the league matures, it’s attracting better talent, more global attention, and serious investment. Whether it’s legends like Messi or rising stars like Driussi, the money being spent shows that MLS is ready to compete on the world stage.
Keep your eyes on the pitch — and maybe one day, you’ll be reading about your favorite hometown player cracking this list.
