Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Leads MLS 2023 Season's Top 5 Most Compensated Players

• Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July after ending his time in Europe
• He immediately helped the club to win their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup
• The Argentine will receive the highest salary in the league despite playing for few months

Lionel Messi became the biggest name to play in Major League Soccer when he joined Inter Miami in July after choosing not to renew his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

He turned down what could have been a world-record salary from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and headed for MLS. Deservedly, he became the league's highest-paid player.

As per Marca, he earns an annual salary of $54m, according to club co-owner Jorge Mas. Despite playing only the season's final months and not receiving a full year's pay, he is the highest-paid player for the season.

Sports Brief looks at the top five most compensated players in MLS as compiled by ESPN.

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1. Lionel Messi

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Argentina captain's season salary for this year is $20.4 million. The highest of any player in the league despite joining in July. This is his guaranteed compensation and excludes bonuses, including from Apple TV and Adidas.

2. Lorenzo Insigne

The former Napoli star was the highest-paid in the league before the arrival of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. His 2023 season compensation is $15.4mil at Toronto FC. The club did not see value for their money as they are bottom of the Eastern Conference. As per Athletic, they'll look to part ways with the Italian.

3. Xherdan Shaqiri

The former Liverpool star comes in third place behind Insigne as he is guaranteed a compensation of $8.15mil for the 2023 season for Chicago Fire. He is the club's record signing after joining for $7.5mil from Lyon in January 2022.

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4. Javier Hernandez

Hernandez has been in the United States since 2020, when he joined LA Galaxy from Sevilla after enjoying stints at top European clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid. He is guaranteed a compensation of $7.4mil for this season.

5. Federico Bernardeschi

Another former Italian Serie A player on the books of Toronto FC. The former Juventus star earned $6.29mil. Another expensive payout from the Ohio-based club, who are bottom of the league and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

LeBron James acknowledges Messi's greatness

Sports Brief reported that LeBron James acknowledged greatness after watching Messi's Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul live at the DRV PNK Stadium.

James was in the stadium alongside other American sports personalities and celebrities, including Serena Williams, Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian and shared a passionate moment with Messi before kickoff.