Son Becomes Highest-Paid Player in MLS

The latest 2025 ranking of the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer brought a major surprise, as South Korean star Heung-Min Son of Los Angeles FC surpassed Argentine legend Lionel Messi, who recently renewed his contract with Inter Miami. 

Son has now become the league’s highest earner, ahead of both Messi and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, who announced he will retire at the end of the season.

According to a report by GiveMeSport, Heung-Min Son tops the list with an annual salary of £9.5 million, overtaking Lionel Messi, who earns £8.8 million per year.

Meanwhile, Busquets, who ended his illustrious career with Barcelona before joining Inter Miami, earns £6.2 million annually, while Jordi Alba ranks sixth on the list.

The report added that while Messi remains the global face of MLS and the symbol of Inter Miami, Son’s massive deal with Los Angeles FC makes him the highest-paid player in the history of the league.

It further noted that Major League Soccer continues to evolve into one of the wealthiest football destinations in the world, attracting top international stars with lucrative contracts that now rival those in Europe and Saudi Arabia.