Major League Soccer continues to attract world-class talent — and world-class salaries. LAFC’s summer signing Son Heung-Min has officially joined Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi as one of the two highest-paid players in the league, with both superstars earning eight-figure annual incomes.
According to the MLS Players Association’s salary guide, Son earns $11.2 million in guaranteed compensation, making him the second-highest-paid player in MLS. Meanwhile, Messi remains at the top, with an incredible $20.4 million annual salary, a figure that underscores his global influence both on and off the pitch.
Global Icons Raising MLS’s Profile
Son Heung-Min’s move to LAFC was one of the biggest transfers of the summer, bringing the South Korean captain — long a Premier League fan favorite — to Los Angeles. His signing not only strengthens LAFC’s attacking options but also boosts MLS’s international visibility, particularly across Asia.
Messi, on the other hand, has transformed Inter Miami since his arrival, drawing record-breaking attendance, global broadcast deals, and unprecedented social media engagement for the league. Together, the two global icons are redefining MLS’s commercial and competitive landscape.
MLS Salary Landscape in 2025
While MLS remains under a salary-cap system designed to promote parity, Designated Player (DP) rules allow clubs to spend heavily on international stars. The arrival of Son Heung-Min signals that MLS clubs are increasingly willing to invest in elite global talent to expand the league’s brand and reach.
The Bottom Line
With Lionel Messi at $20.4 million and Son Heung-Min at $11.2 million, Major League Soccer now boasts two of the world’s most recognizable footballers — and two of its highest earners. Their presence signals MLS’s continued growth as a premier destination for international stars seeking both competition and market potential in North America.