The MLS It has become a hub for attracting talent for leading footballers in Europe. It is no longer just legends landing in North America in the final stretch of their careers, as David Beckham or Zlatan Ibrahimovic did in their day, or more recently Leo Messi. The commercial pull of the Argentine star has increased the follow-up and business of the franchises, which has translated into a strong increase in the salary bill. And it is that The franchises have committed 621 million dollars (528.6 million euros) in salaries in 2026. Leo Messi thatThe player who earns the most: 28.3 million dollars (24.1 million euros)according to the MLS players association report.
The top-15 of highest paid players in MLS has seen its collection increase by 11.6% year-on-year, reaching the sum of 120.5 million dollars (102.6 million euros). But, how is the ranking of the highest paid players in the MLS and how much do the franchises invest in their squad? Are they a threat to talent loyalty in the 5 major European leagues?
The highest paid players in MLS in 2026
In the salary panorama of the MLS, characteristic of the spending limit that the teams have, Leo Messi is the one who takes the biggest piece of the cake. The Argentine star receives a total of 28.3 million dollars (24.1 million euros) in salary. This includes salary plus some marketing bonuses, but not performance bonusesneither other factors such as Messi’s participation in the ownership of the team.
Even with that, the Argentine receives a salary higher than the total salary mass of all other MLS clubs, with the exception of Los Angeles FC. This is possible thanks to franchise player statusthat franchises can award to up to three players to offer them a payment higher than the maximum individual budget. In the MLS, the 20 salaries of the main or senior roster are officially paid by the competition with the resources it obtains from the centralized sale of rightsboth television and sponsorship. This means, in the case of players like Messi, that their signing does not have a total impact on the franchise’s salary bill.
The newcomer to soccer Heung Min Son is the second highest paid player in the leaguebut far from the head of the table. The former Tottenham receives a guaranteed salary of 11.1 million dollars (9.4 million euros), 60.8% less than Messibut both being the only players to overcome the 10 million barrier. The podium is closed by Rodrigo de Paulwho charges 9.7 million dollars (8.3 million euros).
Player salaries
The list also highlights some of the latest additions to the league. The German Thomas Muller receives from the Vancouver Whitecaps a total of 5.1 million dollars (4.3 million euros)while his compatriot Timo Werner, arrived at San Jose Earthquakes last January receives a salary of 4.2 million dollars (3.6 million euros).
For its part, Riqui Puig is placed in eighth place with 5.8 million dollars (4.9 million euros) which credits him as the most paid Spanish player in the league. The Valencia CF youth player, Carles Gilis also placed in the top-20, with a salary of 4.9 million dollars (4.1 million euros) on behalf of the New England Revolution, with the former Zaragoza player Pep Biel closing the Spanish podium receiving a total of 3 million dollars (2.5 million euros).
The franchises that invest the most in their staff
Inter Miami is not only the most valued franchise in the league, but it is also the one that invests the most in its players. The herons spend a total of 54.5 million dollars (46.4 million euros). Of this figure, 51.9% corresponds to Messi’s salarypercentage that increases up to 69.7% with the salary of Rodrigo de Paul, third highest paid player in the competition.
Those from Florida have bet heavily within the margins allowed by the MLS. 7.1% of league-wide salaries come from David Beckham’s franchise. To reach the investment of the team led by Messi, it is necessary to add the staff spending of Atlanta United and LA Galaxy, third and fourth classified, respectively.
MLS wage bill
The second position LAFC occupies the table, with a staff expenditure of 32.6 million dollars (27.7 million euros) which takes 40.2% away from the investment made by Inter Miami. atlanta closes the podium with a salary sum of 27.8 million dollars (23.6 million euros).
Vancouver Whitecaps maintains its strong commitment to its squad despite the MLS’s intention to move the team to Las Vegas. Canadians have a salary bill this season of 24.5 million dollars (20.8 million euros)the fifth that have invested the most. For their part, the newcomers to the competition San Diego FC have also invested upon arrival, ranking sixth with a wage bill of 24.3 million dollars (20.7 million euros).