Inter Miami owner reveals Lionel Messi earns up to $80m annually
Jorge Mas confirms total financial package for Argentine superstar
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that captain Lionel Messi earns between $70m (£56m) and $80m (£64m) a year through a comprehensive compensation package.
Mas explained that these figures include the forward’s ownership shares in the franchise.
The disclosure highlights the Major League Soccer (MLS) side’s need to aggressively maximise sponsorship deals to fund the operation.
“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive,” Mas told Bloomberg.
“I pay Messi — worth every penny — but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.”
Commercial strategy and new stadium
To support such significant expenditure, the club recently secured a major commercial agreement.
Earlier this week, the Herons signed a deal with Brazilian financial services company Nu for the naming rights to their new ground.
Nu Stadium, a 26,700-seat facility located near Miami International Airport, is currently under construction.
The venue is scheduled to host its first match on 4 April.
Breaking down the record deal
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is already established as the highest-paid player in the history of the American top flight.
According to the MLS Players’ Association salary guide, his base salary sits at $12m (£9.6m).
His guaranteed compensation is listed at just over $20.4m (£16.3m).
However, the World Cup winner’s total income is significantly bolstered by external revenue streams.
These include a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas and a unique revenue-sharing agreement with league broadcast partner Apple.
Since arriving in the summer of 2023, the former Barcelona star has transformed the club’s fortunes on and off the pitch.
He extended his contract last October, committing to stay in South Florida through the end of the 2028 season.
Long-term planning paid off
The signing of the global icon was the result of years of meticulous preparation.
Xavier Asensi, the club’s president of business operations, recently told ESPN that the groundwork began long before the transfer was announced.
“I don’t believe in luck, I think the definition of luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” Asensi said.
Asensi revealed that commercial contracts signed as far back as 2021 contained specific clauses regarding superstar acquisitions.
“I included a clause stating that if the club signed a player who had won at least five Ballon d’Or awards, the sponsorship cost would double,” he added.
“That’s in the contract. This is a 2021 contract. Therefore, it’s proof.”
