Lionel Messi earns an annual salary between 60 and 70 million euros at Inter Miami, a figure that includes his remuneration as a player and equity participation rights in the club. This revelation was made by Jorge Mas, the owner of the club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). The 38-year-old Argentine star signed a contract last year valid for three seasons, which will keep him linked to the Florida club until he turns 40. Although the complete details of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed, it is expected that Messi will become a partner of the club after his career ends, a condition negotiated since his arrival at Inter Miami. To support the salary burdens of stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, or Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami relies on sponsorships and commercial agreements, which account for about 55 percent of the club's total revenue. In contrast, television rights represent only two percent, according to the club's executive. "The reason I need to have sponsors — and that they be world-class — is that players are expensive. I pay Messi — and he's worth every penny — but that costs between 60 and 70 million euros a year. Adding it all up," Jorge Mas stated in a recent interview. Despite not detailing the structure of the contract, this amount places Messi as the second highest-paid footballer in the world, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia is valued at over 300 million euros. The truth is that the investment has already brought sporting returns, as Inter Miami won its first MLS title last season, a feat celebrated at the White House this Thursday with President Donald Trump. The club's valuation is also notable: according to Sportico, its value increased by 22 percent in 2025, reaching 1.25 billion euros and becoming the most valuable emblem in the North American league. Jorge Mas also advised other clubs to focus more on brand deals than on broadcast revenue: "Use that ecosystem for the sponsors that already work with your teams and to generate value. People don't think that way. I do. Because the team's valuation is based on that. Media money doesn't change that." One of the latest agreements was a partnership with the Brazilian fintech Nu Holdings, which will name the new stadium set to open in April, and whose logo will appear on the back of jerseys starting in August. Aware of future challenges, especially when 'Messimania' diminishes, Jorge Mas is prepared to continue innovating. "I transformed the MLS. Some criticize, others praise. I steer the ship because I believe we need to change many things. You can't be afraid of change. To thrive and succeed, you have to do things differently," he concluded. Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has since played 90 games and scored 79 goals for the Florida emblem.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami remains central to this story.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami remains central to this story.
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