The Messi Effect: A Wake Up Call for MLS Payroll Reality Checks Lionel Messi's decision to double his base salary to $25 million has made him the highest paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS), with a total guaranteed compensation of $28.
3 million. This staggering figure serves as a stark reminder of the widening gap between top tier talent and the rest of the league.
Messi's individual earnings are a testament to his status as a global superstar, but they also highlight the uneven playing field within the league.