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Ever since former Manchester United great David Beckham moved to the United States by signing for LA Galaxy in 2007, the country’s Major League Soccer has been perceived differently.
Whereas soccer superstars would traditionally opt to see out their careers in lesser profile teams in Asia or even Europe, they now started seeing the United States as a good retirement place, as well as to give them a great platform to prepare for life after retirement.
In 2023, Lionel Messi joined a long list of football stars who had previously played for some of Europe’s elite clubs but chose to move to the United States at the twilight of their careers.
Unsurprisingly, he is one of the highest earners in the league. But where exactly does he rank among the five highest-earning players based in that country?
Pulse Sports brings you a detailed and fact-checked listicle on the Top 5 Highest-Paid MLS Players in 2025, showcasing the financial allure of Major League Soccer and its ability to attract global stars:"
5 Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls)
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| Leipzig's Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg (L) has signed a three-year contract extension Emil Forsberg joined New York Red Bulls in 2024. Image || FILE |
After a successful career in Europe with RB Leipzig, Emil Forsberg joined the New York Red Bulls in 2024.
His creative midfield play and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a standout performer.
According to a list released by MLS in 2024, Forsberg earns a reported $6,035,625.00 a year for his contributions in helping New York achieve their targets.
4. Federico Bernardeschi (FC Toronto)
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| Federico Bernardeschi joined Toronto in 2022. Image || MLS |
Fourth on our list is Euro 2020 winner Federico Bernardeschi, who joined FC Toronto in 2022 after a five-year spell in Turin.
A quick, strong, creative, technically gifted, and hard-working player, Bernadeschi joined as a designated player on a four-year contract; he reunited with Italian compatriots Lorenzo Insigne (more on him later) and Domenico Criscito.
He has scored 22 goals in 79 league appearances for the side, showing his importance to the side, and why he is on his salary package.
The former Juventus forward earns an estimated $6,295,381.00 annually.
3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami FC)
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| Inter Miami announce Sergio Busquets Inter Miami when they announced Sergio Busquets' arrival in 2023. Image || Inter Miami |
The first of two Barcelona academy products on the list, Sergio Busquets is considered one of the greatest deep lying playmakers of all time given the influence he has had in helping both his former employers and the Spain national team dominate games.
Busquets brings his world-class midfield expertise to the MLS. His presence has strengthened the team's core, and his earnings highlight his value to the club.
He helped the side win the MLS Eastern Conference title in 2024, but they were knocked out of the playoffs at the quarter-final stage. Regardless, his brand has helped elevate the status of Inter Miami, and as a result, his $8,774,996.00 annual earnings justify that.
2. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC)
"The Italian winger remains a key figure for Toronto FC, both on and off the pitch. Insigne's technical brilliance and leadership have made him indispensable to his team.
After a 13-year spell for his boyhood club Napoli, a period in which he was able to represent his country at the 2014 World Cup, as well as the 2016 and 2020 UEFA European Championships (winning the latter), he opted to move to Canada.
Now, the winger earns a mammoth $15,400,000.00, and his salary reflects his status as one of the league's marquee players.
1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
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| Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi | Credit: Imago Lionel Messi is the MLS' highest paid player. Image || FILE |
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi tops the list as the highest-earning MLS player.
His move to Inter Miami in 2023 not only elevated the league's profile but also set new benchmarks for player earnings.
Messi's contract includes lucrative revenue-sharing agreements with global brands like Apple and Adidas, making his financial package even more impressive. At 37, Messi continues to dazzle fans with his playmaking and goal-scoring abilities, proving that age is just a number.
While most players, including Messi’s arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronalo are now being attracted by the allure of Saudi Arabia, the MLS is still an attractive league for players who wish to elevate their profile and earnings in the twilights of their careers.
As MLS continues to expand and evolve, the salaries of its top players reflect the league's ambition to compete with the world's best.
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