In a move that shocked the football world, Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and global icon, traded the glitz of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the sun-soaked pitches of Inter Miami in 2023. The question on every fan’s mind: why would the Argentine legend leave a European powerhouse for Major League Soccer (MLS)? The answer, it turns out, lies in a jaw-dropping financial revelation that has finally come to light.
Messi’s journey to Inter Miami is the stuff of football legend. After spending 21 years at Barcelona, where he amassed a staggering 46 career trophies, the diminutive genius signed a two-year deal with PSG in 2021. In Paris, he clinched two consecutive Ligue 1 titles, further cementing his status as one of the greatest ever. But just months after lifting the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Messi made a decision that raised eyebrows: he turned down a contract extension with PSG and headed to the United States to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
Why leave the glamour of European football for the MLS? The answer is a blend of ambition, lifestyle, and, most crucially, an eye-watering paycheck.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is nothing short of extraordinary. According to reports, the 38-year-old earns a base weekly salary of £302,772, excluding bonuses and sponsorships. Since joining the club on July 13, 2023, Messi has raked in an astonishing £34.3 million over approximately 113 weeks. This figure makes him not only the highest-paid player at Inter Miami but also the top earner in the entire MLS—by a colossal margin.
To put this in perspective, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate and Inter Miami colleague, Sergio Busquets, earns £129,938 per week, while other ex-Barcelona stars like Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba pocket a comparatively modest £22,211 weekly. But Messi’s earnings don’t stop at his salary. His contract reportedly includes lucrative bonuses, and off-field sponsorship deals are said to push his total income even higher. There’s even talk that Messi could join David Beckham as a co-owner of Inter Miami post-retirement, a move that would further solidify his financial legacy.
Messi’s current wealth is a far cry from his early days. When he first signed with Barcelona as a teenager, reports suggest he earned just €600 (£521) per month. Fast forward to today, and Messi stands shoulder-to-shoulder with sporting titans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Steph Curry as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. His move to Miami wasn’t just about money, though—it was about building a legacy in a new market, enjoying a different lifestyle, and preparing for life after football.
While the financial incentives are staggering, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami wasn’t solely about the paycheck. The MLS offered a fresh challenge for a player who had conquered Europe. Playing in the U.S. also positioned Messi perfectly for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The chance to play in front of a growing American fanbase, under the ownership of a football icon like Beckham, likely sweetened the deal.
Moreover, life in Miami offered a change of pace from the intense scrutiny of European football. The move allowed Messi to balance family life with his professional ambitions, all while earning a fortune that dwarfs his PSG salary.
As Messi’s contract with Inter Miami nears its end in December 2025, speculation about his future is rife. Will the footballing maestro hang up his boots before the 2026 World Cup, or will he continue to dazzle fans? Recent reports suggest that Messi is on the verge of signing a new deal with Inter Miami, with sources claiming it’s “85% done.” This extension could see him stay with the club through and beyond the 2026 World Cup, potentially allowing him to compete in the tournament on home soil.
Whether he’s chasing another World Cup title or cementing his legacy in the MLS, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami was a masterstroke. The staggering sums he’s earned reveal not just his marketability but also his enduring appeal as a global superstar. From a modest Barcelona contract to a multi-million-pound empire in Miami, Messi’s journey is a testament to his talent, vision, and unmatched star power.