10 Highest Paid MLS Players: 2023 Edition (Part 2)
As soccer continues to captivate American sports and becomes truly global following the signing of Lionel Messi, we take a look at who the highest paid MLS players are following on from part one.
5. Federico Bernardeschi - Toronto FC ($6.3m)
Federico Bernardeschi won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before joining Toronto FC in 2022. The club made him one of the highest paid MLS players on the back of his world class technique and elegance that he brings to his game.
His vision and passing accuracy allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and his excellent understanding of the game makes him comfortable playing almost any role in attack.
4. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández - LA Galaxy ($7.4m)
Mexican forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernández is known for his goal-scoring exploits which is why the LA Galaxy made him one of the highest paid MLS players in 2020.The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has sharp instincts in the box and his intelligent movement off the ball, as well as his impeccable timing, has made him a threat in front of goal his entire career.
A torn ACL in the U.S Open quarterfinal in 2023 ended his season, possibly ending his time with the Galaxy and maybe even his career.
3. Lorenzo Insigne - Toronto FC ($7.5m)
Toronto FC has one of the highest player payrolls, and Lorenzo Insigne's $7.5 million annual salary is a major reason why. Joining the Canadian club in 2022 on a free transfer, Insigne signed a four year deal.The former Napoli winger is a game changer, and his ability and quickness makes him one of Major League Soccer's biggest threats.
Insigne's excellent vision and playmaking skills aside, it's his ability to take on defenders and navigate through tight spaces which makes him one of the most exciting players to watch.
2. Xherdan Shaqiri - Chicago Fire ($8.2m)
Highly talented Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri joined the Chicago Fire in 2022 following a $7.5 million transfer from French club Lyon. The former Liverpool star brings technical ability, versatility, and creativity to Major League Soccer.
Arriving in the league as the highest paid MLS player, the pressure was always going to be on Shaqiri to be a success. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, he hasn't delivered the impact that the Chicago Fire would've hoped for so far.
1. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami ($53.7m)
The greatest player of all time to many, Lionel Messi rejected a 3 year, $1.6 billion offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, instead joining Inter Miami on a deal worth $53.7 million a year.
It's a seal that makes Messi the highest paid MLS player and his salary trumps every other Major League Soccer player's salary, easily becoming the highest paid MLS player.
His yearly earnings are more than any other MLB and NFL player, and only a handful of NBA players earn more than the Argentinian superstar.
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