Who is the highest paid player in MLS?

Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen an uprising in its investment over the last few years. It goes without saying that soccer is more money-orientated than other sports so if MLS would like to compete with the world's best leagues, the teams must spend money.

In recent seasons, MLS has become a more attractive destination for the world's best players. It has seen a particular influx of exports from European leagues, which is probably a result of players following the footsteps of their former heroes.

Of course, MLS teams are bound by salary caps, however, with each team being allowed three designated players, this is a great opportunity for MLS sides to go over the salary cap for the best talent.

But, who is the highest paid player in MLS?

Who is the highest paid player in MLS?

1. Lionel Messi ($20,446,667 guaranteed)

The highest paid player in MLS is Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward who represents Inter Miami earns a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667.

Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 to join Inter Miami. Without a doubt, it is the biggest transfer any MLS side has completed and it could completely change the trajectory of MLS for the future.

Lionel Messi is the best soccer player of all-time. He won everything there is to win during his time in Europe and the same can be said at international level with Argentina.

As things stand, Lionel Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025.

2. Lorenzo Insigne ($15,400,000 guaranteed)

The second highest paid player in MLS is Lorenzo Insigne. Under contract with Toronto FC, Insigne earns an impressive $15,400,000 in guaranteed compensation.

Lorenzo Insigne is a Napoli legend, where he is known for spending his entire European career after coming through their youth academy. Not including loan spells, he is a one-club man in Europe.

So, Toronto FC knew that he was loyal when signing him in 2022. This is why they were prepared to shell out the big bucks, with the hope that he would even have half the tenure that he had in Serie A.

As things stand, Lorenzo Insigne is under contract until June 2026.

3. Sergio Busquets ($8,774,996 guaranteed)

The third highest paid player in MLS is Sergio Busquets. The Spanish midfielder plays for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi and pockets a tidy $8,774,996 in guaranteed compensation.

Sergio Busquets signed for Inter Miami in the same week as Lionel Messi. Without a doubt, the midfield icon would have been influenced by the move of his former FC Barcelona teammate and they were finally reunited in Miami.

Sergio Busquets is one of the best midfielders in the history of the game. His composed midfield style is impossible to explain because only he plays the game in this manner. Constantly scanning play and working his way out of tight situations, it's great to have Busquets in MLS.

Like Messi, Busquets is out of contract at Inter Miami in December 2025.

4. Sebastián Driussi ($6,722,500 guaranteed)

The fourth highest paid player in MLS is Sebastián Driussi, the Argentine forward who plays for Austin FC. Driussi earns a guaranteed compensation package worth $6,722,500.

Austin FC signed Driussi in 2021. He has quickly turned into a fan favourite and a catalyst for the club's success. Not only is he technically great but he is able to change matches with the flick of a switch, making him a staplepiece for Austin going forward.

Driussi is under contract until December 2025.

5. Federico Bernardeschi ($6,295,381 guaranteed)

The fifth highest paid player in MLS is Toronto FC forward Federico Bernardeschi, who earns a guaranteed compensation package worth $6,295,381.

Like his Toronto FC counterpart Insigne, Bernardeschi is recognised in Serie A. However, the two players were once rivals, since Bernardeschi represented Juventus.

Now, though, Federico Bernardeschi is a Toronto FC player. Despite the Reds underperforming in recent seasons, Bernardeschi has stuck by the club. Having made his mark already, hopefully Toronto can repay his loyalty.

Currently, Federico Bernardeschi is under contract at Toronto FC until December 2026.

* All figures and salary estimations are courtesy of the MLSPA

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