Messi's Inter Miami topped the league with a record $46.8 million payroll as of May 23, up from $41.7 million at the end of last season. Miami's payroll was double that of all teams other than Toronto ($34.1 million) and Atlanta ($27.6 million).

Major League Soccer announced its All-Star Roster for its matchup against the Liga MX All-Stars on July 23, with the Inter Miami duo of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba headlining the list.

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the third straight year with total annual compensation of $20,446,667, greater than the entire payroll of 21 teams. Messi's base compensation is $12 million,