Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the third straight year with total annual compensation of $20.4 million, greater than the entire payroll of 21 teams.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi remains Major League Soccer’s highest-paid player this season at $20,446,667 US, according to figures released Wednesday by the MLS Players Association. Miami has two other players in the top 10 with No. 3 Sergio Busquets at $8,774,996 and No. 8 Jordi Alba at $6 million even.

Lionel Messi is expected to sign a contract extension soon that would keep him on the Inter Miami roster at least through next season. Negotiations have been going on for months, and club ownership is eager to get a deal done and ensure that the Argentine icon will be on the field for the opening of Miami Freedom Park in early 2026.