Messi is a team player — especially in terms of cost

MIAMI — Lionel Messi's record $20.45 million annual salary from Inter Miami makes him by far the best paid player in Major League Soccer, but also puts his individual income ahead of the entire squads of 25 of the league's clubs, according to data released by the MLS Players Association on Thursday.

The players union regularly releases the full pay details of the entire league, and, while it was no surprise to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at the top, the gulf between Messi and other players — and, indeed, entire teams — is striking.

Messi has a guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667, made up of a base salary of $12 million plus various bonuses.