Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has shed light on marquee star Lionel Messi’s annual earnings at the club. At 38, Messi signed a three-year contract in 2025 that runs through 2028, keeping him in Major League Soccer (MLS) into his 40s.
While full financial details are still undisclosed, Mas said the deal has several complex elements beyond a typical player’s salary.
Lionel Messi Earns Up to $80 Million Annually at Inter Miami
Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million per year from Miami, including his salary and additional compensation such as equity rights, according to club owner Mas. One complex element is believed to involve future ownership in the club, so Messi could become a partial owner of Inter Miami after his playing career ends.
The structure mirrors the club’s long-term vision set when the Argentine icon arrived in 2023. Mas acknowledged that maintaining such a high-profile squad brings significant financial demands. Alongside Messi, Miami also employs experienced international stars, including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
To fund these signings, the club relies heavily on commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals, which account for about 55% of Inter Miami’s total revenue.
“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world-class is because players are expensive,” Mas explained to Bloomberg. “I pay Messi, worth every penny, but it’s $70 to $80 million a year. Across everything.”
How Messi’s Earnings Compare to Other Top Soccer Stars
Messi remains one of the highest-paid athletes in football. According to reports, he currently ranks second globally behind Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia is reportedly worth more than $400 million. Mas has even suggested that other MLS owners should follow Miami’s example by prioritizing brand partnerships and sponsorship revenue over television income as the league continues to grow.
Interestingly, media rights account for only about 2% of the club’s revenue, a stark contrast with most major global sports franchises, where broadcasting deals form a central pillar of income.
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The financial impact of Messi’s arrival has been monumental. According to Sportico, Inter Miami’s valuation increased 22% in 2025 alone, reaching $1.45 billion and making it the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer. However, questions remain about the club’s long-term future once the phenomenon widely dubbed “Messimania” eventually fades.
When that moment comes, Miami’s leadership will face the challenge of finding the next global superstar to fill stadiums, drive merchandise sales, and maintain the club’s commercial momentum.
