Democracy Dies in Darkness
Soccer

Lionel Messi, MLS’s biggest star, is also its highest-paid player

Regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats, the 36-year-old Messi is in his first full season in the league.

By
In his first full season in MLS, Lionel Messi has recorded 10 goals and 12 assists in just nine appearances. (Graham Hughes/AP)
3 min

By a wide margin, Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi remains the top-paid player in MLS history with overall annual compensation of $20.4 million, according to MLS Players Association data released Thursday.

Regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats, the 36-year-old Argentine forward is in his first full season in the league following his celebrated arrival from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.