Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas recently disclosed that Lionel Messi’s total earnings with the club range between $70 million and $80 million annually. This figure encompasses both Messi’s salary and his ownership stake in the franchise.
Mas emphasized the financial demands of maintaining top-tier players, stating, “I pay Messi—worth every penny—but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.” This highlights the significant investment Inter Miami makes to secure Messi’s talents.
According to the MLS Players’ Association, Messi’s base salary is $12 million. However, his guaranteed compensation, which includes bonuses averaged over the contract term, reaches $20.45 million. This positioned Messi as the highest-paid player in MLS last season, surpassing LAFC’s Son Heung-min, who earned $11.15 million guaranteed, and Inter Miami’s former player Sergio Busquets, who had $8.75 million before retiring.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is unique because it includes a percentage of ownership in the club. This equity stake substantially increases the overall value of his compensation. Before Messi joined, Inter Miami was valued at approximately $585 million in 2023.
Forbes’ latest valuation places Inter Miami’s worth at $1.35 billion, reflecting a substantial increase since Messi’s arrival. Jorge Mas estimates that Messi’s ownership share contributes around $60 million per year to his total compensation, assuming his salary structure remains stable through his contract extension. This extension runs through the conclusion of the 2028-29 MLS season.
While precise details of Messi’s equity stake have not been publicly confirmed by Mas, MLS, or Messi himself, insiders told The Athletic that the total contract value falls between $50 million and $70 million, depending heavily on franchise valuation. The rising value of Inter Miami has likely pushed this figure higher.
Additional ownership details reveal that Messi’s equity in the club will become fully activated upon his retirement. Inter Miami’s primary ownership group comprises Jorge Mas, his brother Jose Mas, and former soccer star David Beckham.
In addition to his contract with Inter Miami, Messi holds separate endorsement deals with major companies such as Fanatics and Apple. These agreements, along with any ongoing arrangements with Adidas, are not included in the Inter Miami compensation package.
Summary of Messi’s Financial Terms with Inter Miami:
- Base salary: $12 million per year
- Guaranteed compensation (including bonuses): $20.45 million annually
- Estimated annual value of ownership stake: Approximately $60 million
- Contract duration: Through the end of the 2028-29 MLS season
- Additional endorsement deals: Separate from club earnings
This comprehensive financial package makes Messi not only the highest paid athlete in Major League Soccer but also a club owner with a significant stake. The structure reflects both his on-field value and long-term influence on Inter Miami’s growth and market presence.
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