Lionel Messi scored in first-half stoppage time to secure a crucial point for Inter Miami in their MLS clash against Toronto FC on Sunday.
As he nears the end of his illustrious career, Messi is earning a lucrative salary in Major League Soccer, playing under coach Javier Mascherano alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba. Their Barcelona connection makes Inter Miami a formidable attacking force in North America.
At his peak, Messi was widely regarded as the best footballer in the world, and Barcelona compensated him accordingly. In 2021, EL MUNDO revealed details of the contract he signed with the club in 2017, shocking the public with its record-breaking financial figures.
During the four-year deal, Barcelona won La Liga and the Copa del Rey twice each, while Messi earned a staggering €555,237,619 gross. After deductions, his take-home pay was estimated at around €297 million.
According to EL MUNDO, the contract consisted of a fixed salary, image rights, performance-based bonuses, and additional allowances. The 30-page document included signatures from Messi and senior Barcelona officials, including then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Messi’s earnings were partly tied to his playing time and Barcelona’s Champions League qualification—both considered certainties at the time. Between 2017 and 2021, he reportedly took home €210,297 per day after deductions, amounting to a weekly salary of €1,472,079. NBA star Kevin Durant described the figures as “insane” money.
Messi and Inter Miami will now turn their focus to the second leg of their all-MLS CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday at 8 PM local time. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Inter Miami will be eager to overturn the deficit and advance, with Mascherano openly targeting continental success.
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