Revealed: How Lionel Messi Earns Up to $80m a Year at Inter Miami

By: Shawn
Inter Miami CF co-owner Jorge Mas has disclosed the extraordinary financial structure behind Lionel Messi’s stay in South Florida, confirming the star forward earns between $70 million and $80 million annually when all income streams are combined. The package includes salary components, commercial revenue, and ownership-related benefits, reflecting one of the most expensive deals in football history.
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‎Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas reveals Lionel Messi earns $70–$80m yearly including equity and deals, reshaping MLS finances and club valuation growth.
‎Getty Images Sport 

Messi’s arrival in 2023 marked a turning point for Inter Miami CF, and his contract extension running through 2028 has reinforced his status as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. While official figures from the MLS Players Association list his guaranteed compensation at just over $20 million, the broader financial arrangement significantly exceeds that number once additional earnings are included.

These extra earnings come from multiple sources, including a share in the club’s structure and major commercial partnerships. His long-term deals with adidas and the league’s broadcasting partner Apple contribute to a wider revenue ecosystem built around his presence in the league. According to Mas, the scale of investment required reflects the reality of attracting a global icon of Messi’s stature.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Mas stressed that such spending demands elite-level sponsorship backing. He explained that player costs at this level are extremely high, adding that Messi’s total annual package—covering all agreements and benefits—is “worth every penny,” highlighting the financial commitment behind the signing.

Club president of business operations Xavier Asensi also detailed how the move was carefully planned years in advance. In a discussion with ESPN, he revealed that Inter Miami had already structured sponsorship agreements as early as 2021 with clauses anticipating the arrival of a player with at least five Ballon d’Or awards, ensuring commercial readiness for a signing like Messi.

Inter Miami’s financial and sporting profile has surged since his arrival, with the club’s valuation reaching approximately $1.45 billion—an increase of around 22% in just one year. This rise makes them the most valuable franchise in MLS history. On the pitch, Messi has helped deliver major honours including the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, alongside strong continental and domestic runs that have transformed the club’s competitive standing.

Club officials continue to link this success directly to performance on the field, arguing that Messi’s presence has driven both sporting results and commercial expansion in equal measure.

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