Lionel Messi. The name alone conjures images of dazzling footwork, impossible goals, and a trophy cabinet overflowing with accolades. He’s not just a footballer; he’s a cultural icon whose influence transcends the sport. But with such immense talent comes a hefty price tag, and fans are curious – just how much does Messi make in a week?

From Barcelona Benchwarmer to MLS Kingpin: A Wage Journey

Understanding Messi’s current weekly wage requires a glimpse into his career’s financial trajectory. At the start, his talent was evident, but his income was far from astronomical. Early contracts at Barcelona reflected his youth, with estimates suggesting his weekly wage hovered around £20,000 [1].

As his skills blossomed, so did his earnings. By 2017, Messi was reportedly commanding a staggering £500,000 per week at Barcelona, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world at the time [2]. This figure included a base salary, image rights, bonuses, and other incentives.

In 2021, a plot twist emerged. After a public contract dispute with Barcelona, Messi left his longtime club and signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While his salary decreased slightly, it still remained impressive. Estimates suggest he earned around €1.2 million ($1.4 million) weekly at PSG [3].

Finally, in 2023, Messi made another headline-grabbing move, joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). This transfer signaled a shift in priorities – perhaps a focus on lifestyle and brand building in the US market alongside his playing career. But did the switch to MLS come with a pay cut?

Unveiling Messi’s MLS Millions: A Weekly Windfall

The answer is no. Despite the perceived step down in league competitiveness, Messi’s earning power remains phenomenal. He’s poised to become the highest-paid athlete in US sporting history, with a reported annual salary of $54 million [4]. This translates to a weekly wage of approximately $1.2 million.

Here’s how this figure breaks down:

Taxes: A significant chunk of Messi’s earnings will go towards taxes. Estimates suggest he’ll face a hefty federal tax bill, alongside jock tax and FICA/Medicare deductions [5]. This could eat away at over $20 million of his annual income.

Net Income: Despite the substantial tax burden, Messi will still take home a significant sum – an estimated $31.7 million annually after taxes [5]. This includes not just his base salary but also signing bonuses and potential equity in Inter Miami.

So, why the massive salary in MLS? Several factors contribute.

Star Power: Messi’s global brand recognition is undeniable. His presence injects immense marketing value into Inter Miami and MLS, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors.

MLS Growth: The league is actively seeking to elevate its profile and attract other top players. Messi’s signing is a major coup, signaling MLS’s growing ambitions.

Supply and Demand: Top talent commands a premium price. Messi remains a world-class player, and Inter Miami is willing to pay top dollar to secure his services.

Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Messi’s Wage

Messi’s hefty wage has sparked debate. Some argue it’s a fair reflection of his talent and marketability. Others believe the astronomical figures distort the financial landscape of professional sports.

Here are some potential consequences of Messi’s high salary:

Wage Inflation: Could this set a precedent for inflated salaries across MLS, potentially creating financial strain for some franchises?

Focus on Marketability: Will the emphasis shift towards attracting big-name players to generate revenue, even if it comes at the expense of developing young American talent?

Fan Disconnect: Can fans relate to players earning exorbitant sums, especially in a league still striving to establish itself globally?

However, there are also potential benefits:

Increased Viewership: Will Messi’s presence significantly boost MLS viewership, both domestically and internationally?

Investment and Sponsorship: Will Messi attract more investment and sponsorship deals, ultimately benefiting the entire league?

Elevating MLS: Can Messi’s arrival elevate the overall quality of play in MLS, attracting other talented players and coaches?

Only time will tell how Messi’s record-breaking wage will impact MLS.

The Final Whistle: More Than Just Money

While the astronomical figures might be mind-boggling for the average person, Messi’s wage is more than just a paycheck. It represents a confluence of factors – his exceptional talent, his global brand power, and the ambitions of a growing league. 

The final whistle on Messi’s wage saga hasn’t blown yet. The true impact of his hefty paycheck will likely unfold over several seasons. Here’s what to watch for:

MLS Viewership: Does Messi spark a sustained rise in MLS viewership, both domestically and internationally? Will his presence attract a new generation of fans, particularly in the US market?

Investment and Sponsorships: Does Messi’s star power translate into increased investment and sponsorship deals for MLS franchises and the league as a whole? Will this influx of revenue benefit not just Inter Miami, but the entire league’s infrastructure and development?

On-Field Impact: Does Messi elevate the overall quality of play in MLS? Will his presence inspire and challenge younger players, leading to a rise in the league’s competitiveness on a global scale?

Ultimately, Messi’s wage is a gamble – a bet on his ability to propel MLS into the spotlight.  While some may question the financial extravagance, others see it as a strategic investment in the future of American soccer. Time will tell if Messi’s millions will pay off, but one thing’s for sure: his arrival in MLS marks a fascinating chapter in the beautiful game’s ever-evolving story.

FAQs

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) sent shockwaves through the world of football.  One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind: how much does this legendary player earn?

So, how much does Messi make a week?

Estimates suggest Messi’s weekly wage at Inter Miami is around $1.2 million. This translates to a whopping $54 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.

How does this compare to his previous salary?

This is a significant decrease from his time with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he reportedly earned around €1.2 million weekly (roughly $1.36 million).

Why the Change?

There could be several reasons for the lower salary at Inter Miami:

MLS Salary Structure: MLS generally has lower salaries compared to top European leagues.

Tax Considerations: Taxes in the US might be lower than in France, impacting his net income.

Non-Monetary Benefits: The move to Miami might offer other advantages like lifestyle, marketing opportunities, or a chance to grow the sport in the US.

Is Messi Still One of the Highest-Paid Athletes?

While not topping the global charts anymore, Messi remains among the highest earners in football and certainly the highest-paid player in MLS.

Where can I find more information?

Here are some resources for further exploration:

Sportskeeda – Messi’s Salary Breakdown: https://www.quora.com/How-much-will-Lionel-Messi-make-at-Inter-Miami

GiveMeSport – Messi vs. Ronaldo Wages: https://www.givemesport.com/lionel-messis-inter-miami-wage-compared-to-cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-wage/

Beyond the Numbers:

Remember, money isn’t everything. Messi’s move to MLS signifies a new chapter in his career, potentially focusing on growing the sport in the US and inspiring a new generation of footballers.

To read more, Click Here.