MLS salaries: Son Heung-min deal pays $11m, second only to Lionel Messi

Son Heung-min has topped the list of Major League Soccer's summer signings with a staggering annual salary of $10.4 million and total compensation of $11.2 million, catapulting him to second place behind only Lionel Messi.

The South Korean forward made his highly anticipated move to Los Angeles FC in August after nearly a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, where he notched nine goals in 10 regular season matches. The impressive performance has earned him an enviable contract with LAFC, which has catapulted Son into the top tier of MLS earners.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer, takes the top spot with an annual salary of $12 million and total compensation of $20.4 million. The Argentine superstar's figures include his initial deal running through the 2025 season, plus any marketing bonuses and agent fees he may be receiving. A new extension through 2028 was announced by Inter Miami last week, but exact terms are not yet known.

In contrast, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has a more modest $1.5 million annual salary with $3.6 million in total compensation. Other notable additions to the league include San Diego winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano ($6 million) and Chicago winger Jonathan Bamba ($5 million).

The large disparity between top earners like Son Heung-min and Messi is a stark reminder of the massive financial investments being made by MLS clubs. As the league continues to grow in popularity, it's likely that player salaries will continue to skyrocket, with the likes of Messi and Son vying for dominance at the top.

I'm loving the influx of talent in Major League Soccer, but $12 million is just crazy ! I mean, I get it, it's a huge market now, but some players are still getting paid in peanuts compared to their European counterparts . It's like, we're living in a different world where a guy can earn more than a doctor or an engineer just because he kicks a ball around . Not complaining for Son Heung-min though, he deserves every penny . I'm curious to see how this changes the game – will players start demanding more from their teams and fans?

omg I'm literally shook by Son Heung-min's new contract ! $10.4 million a year is insane and I can see why he's making waves in LAFC . But at the same time, it's crazy to think that Messi is taking the top spot with a whopping $12 million annual salary ! The difference is staggering and it just goes to show how much MLS clubs are willing to invest in their players .

I'm excited to see what other moves will happen in the league this season . With De Paul, Lozano, and Bamba joining the ranks, it's going to be a wild ride . But seriously, these huge contracts are going to have to come with some serious expectations . Can Son and Messi keep up the pace? Only time will tell ! #SoccerSalarySeason #MLS #SonHeungMin #LionelMessi

MLS really knows how to make an entrance, huh? I mean, who needs a solid team performance when you can just break the bank and hope your squad doesn't implode? Son's contract is, of course, totally justified by his "impressive" 9 goals in 10 regular season matches... but hey, at least it's not like he was playing for peanuts in Tottenham anymore . And Messi just casually strolls in and takes the top spot, because who needs actual talent when you've got a gazillion dollars?

It's crazy how much money these players are making now . I mean, think about it, $10.4 million is a life-changing amount, but is it really worth it? Is the fame, the glory, and the thrill of playing in front of thousands every weekend truly worth sacrificing a chunk of your personal freedom? I'm not saying Son or Messi aren't deserving of their hard-earned cash, but when you're making that kind of money, do you ever have to worry about money again? It's like they say, "Money can't buy happiness," but in this case, it might just be able to buy a sense of security.

Man I'm loving this shift in power in MLS! Son Heung-min killing it on LAFC's payroll . It's insane how much money these guys are raking in now . I mean, Messi is basically untouchable with that huge contract and potential bonuses... but Son is still putting up numbers like a pro! The financial investment from MLS clubs is insane, it's like they're trying to match the likes of top European leagues . Can't wait to see how this all plays out in the coming years .

I'm low-key dying over Son Heung-min's contract ! $11.2 million total comp is insane . I mean, I get why LAFC splurged on him – he's a beast on the field . But still, it's wild to see Messi taking the top spot with $20.4 million . And what's up with all these huge contracts? I'm no financial expert, but it feels like MLS clubs are throwing money around like it's going out of style . Anyone else thinking that player salaries will keep going up and up until they're playing for peanuts ?!

I'm low-key surprised Son Heung-min landed such a huge deal in LAFC . I mean, he's an amazing player and all, but $10.4 million is insane . It's like he's going to be the main attraction for that team! And now everyone's gonna be expecting him to perform like Messi, what if it puts too much pressure on him? At least Messi's contract has some unknowns still... do you think LAFC was willing to take a risk on Son for that kind of money?

what a crazy amount of cash son heung-min is getting lol $11.2 million total compensation is insane i'm not surprised though he was killing it at Tottenham Hotspur for years now, he's basically a superstar in korea and his move to LAFC was gonna be big news anyway, i guess mls clubs are willing to break the bank to get the best players... wonder if this is gonna attract more top talent from europe

omg can't believe son heung min just broke into the top 2 like what a legend and i'm still trying to wrap my head around messi's new contract $12 mil is insane i mean we all knew he was a superstar but wow! and it makes sense that lafc splashed out on him after his amazing performances at spurs now we just gotta wait and see if son can keep up the pace