Lionel Messi’s form after returning from injury leaves many speechless

When Lionel Messi made his move to Major League Soccer, the entire soccer world shifted its focus to the U.S. His arrival at Inter Miami not only drew massive media attention but also raised the bar across the league. However, the staggering cost of this “Messi revolution” is now drawing scrutiny. With a salary that surpasses the combined payroll of 22 out of 29 MLS teams, the financial implications of Messi’s presence in American soccer are becoming a major talking point.

Messi’s base salary is $12 million, with an annual total of $20.4 million thanks to lucrative marketing bonuses, not including potential performance incentives or other sponsorship deals. The question is, does this hefty investment truly benefit the league’s growth, or does it highlight a growing financial gap in MLS?

Inter Miami’s player salary spending, at a record $41.7 million per year, dwarfs that of most other teams, with Messi’s earnings claiming a significant share. To compare, the next-highest spender, Toronto FC, allocates $31.8 million, revealing a nearly $10 million difference. This disparity emphasizes Messi’s influence far beyond his performance on the field.

MLS operates under a salary cap designed to keep spending balanced across teams and ensure fair competition. However, Messi’s arrival seems to have prompted an exception, allowing certain clubs to spend freely on international stars while others are left working within much stricter budgets.

And Messi isn’t alone in this exclusive circle. Sergio Busquets, earning $8.8 million, and Lorenzo Insigne at Toronto FC, who takes nearly half of his club’s payroll, represent a class of high-earning players whose impact might undermine the league’s competitive balance.

For American fans, fair competition is a priority. Watching one team full of superstars face off against a lineup with far fewer resources doesn’t sit well with everyone. As Messi enjoys the spotlight and high earnings, the rest of the league grapples with financial strain, making the disparity even more noticeable.

Inter Miami has seen a significant boost in attention and revenue, with packed stadiums and soaring merchandise sales. The initial financial payoff might seem worth it, but questions linger about the sustainability of this model. Will the returns hold up once the initial excitement fades?

While MLS undoubtedly benefits from Messi’s star power, it also relies on the overall development of the league. If other teams are left behind, there’s a risk that MLS could divide into financially unequal tiers, which could harm the league’s growth in the long run.