"Lionel Messi Shatters MLS Salary Records with $20 Million Contract"

Lionel Messi has become the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) with an annual guaranteed compensation of $20 million, according to the MLS Players Association. This record-breaking salary includes only Messi's base pay, with his total compensation, including a share from the league's Apple TV deal, estimated to be between $50 million and $60 million. Messi's arrival, along with teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, has propelled Inter Miami to the top of the MLS team salary rankings, with a total guaranteed compensation of $39.419 million. Toronto FC's Lorenzo Insigne ranks second on the list with $15.4 million, followed by players from the Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, and Toronto FC. The average guaranteed base compensation for all MLS players has increased by 5.5% since September 2022, and the league's median guaranteed base compensation has risen by 13.4%.