Lionel Messi rejected a massive deal from Saudi Arabia to join Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi will become the MLS club’s biggest earning by far; the Argentine World Cup champion had been linked with a return to Barcelona and Saudi Arabia after leaving PSG.
Lionel Messi’s decision to leave European football for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer shocked the football world.
After leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the all-time great refused to succumb to the draw of Saudi Arabia and instead chose to continue his career in the United States. Messi has the ability to dominate at the greatest level, and many people believe it is a shame that he is leaving Europe for the MLS.
Nonetheless, Messi’s entrance is the most significant coup for American soccer, as he is set to join Eastern Conference club Inter Miami, who are in terrible position and sorely need Messi’s magic to resurrect their campaign. However, it is unknown when he will formally join the team.
The player’s choice to leave Paris for Miami was obviously surprising given the massive offer he received from Al-Hilal, but his rumored salary with the MLS team will not leave him short on cash.
Here’s how Messi’s pay at Inter Miami compares to that of his new colleagues.
Lionel Messi’s earning in MLS
Messi might have earned $440 million (£344 million) if he had elected to join 18-time Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal this summer, but the 2022 World Cup winner instead chose to return to more familiar surroundings.
Messi owns property in Miami and his family visits the city frequently.
Although living at Inter Miami may not be as glamorous as his vacations to South Florida (the team has the lowest average attendance in MLS, with the club’s PNK Stadium accommodating a meager 19,100 people), Messi will allegedly earn $54 million (£43 million).
With such a salary, he will easily become the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. The previous highest pay was $8,153,000, earned by Xherdan Shaqiri of the Chicago Fire.
Lionel Messi and Other Players | Salary Comparison | Inter Miami Squad
| Player | Position | Base salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Forward | $54,000,000 |
| Josef Martinez | Forward | $4,000,000 |
| Rodolfo Pizarro | Midfielder | $3,050,000 |
| DeAndre Yedlin | Defender | $825,000 |
| Jean Mota | Midfielder | $750,000 |
| Gregore | Midfielder | $725,000 |
| Corentin Jean | Forward | $720,000 |
| Sergii Kryvtsov | Defender | $555,500 |
| Leonardo Campana | Forward | $550,000 |
| Nick Marsman | Goalkeeper | $474,996 |
| Nicolás Stefanelli | Midfielder | $400,000 |
| Kamal Miller | Defender | $375,000 |
| Franco Negri | Defender | $225,000 |
| Robert Taylor | Forward | $276,000 |
| Dixon Arroyo | Midfielder | $150,000 |
| Victor Ulloa | Midfielder | $250,000 |
| Christopher McVey | Defender | $219,996 |
