MLS money men fail on the pitch

The Major League Players Association has just unveiled the annualized earnings of the league's top players for this season. While the individuals occupying the top spots may not come as a surprise, the context surrounding their earnings certainly raises some intriguing questions.

At the pinnacle of the list stands none other than the legendary Lionel Messi, earning a staggering $20.4 million. Messi has graced the MLS with his presence in five matches, securing three starts and netting a single goal. In fairness, it's worth noting that his incredible performance led Inter Miami to victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup, where he scored an impressive 10 goals in just seven matches.

Following closely behind Messi, we find Toronto FC's Lorenzo Insigne, ranking second with earnings of $15.4 million. Chicago's Xherdan Shaquiri takes the third position, accumulating a substantial $8.153 million.

What's the common thread connecting these three prominent players? Surprisingly, none of their respective teams have managed to clinch a playoff spot. In fact, in the realm of MLS, their teams have struggled, and it's notable that only one of the top 12 earners in MLS made it to the playoffs.

To gain a deeper understanding of the MLS salary figures, let's take a look at the league's top three payrolls for this season. Inter Miami leads the pack with a whopping $39.4 million in payroll, closely followed by Toronto FC at $32.3 million and the LA Galaxy at $25 million. Interestingly, the Galaxy, despite their substantial investment, also missed out on the playoffs.

In the world of football, the conventional wisdom dictates that spending more often results in winning. However, MLS, especially this season, appears to be a different beast altogether. Despite the significant financial investments made by the top-earning players and their respective teams, the playoffs have remained elusive for most.

Nevertheless, there's hope on the horizon. A full season of Lionel Messi's brilliance could very well herald a different outcome for Inter Miami in the upcoming season. As we continue to witness the evolution of MLS, it's clear that the league remains full of surprises, both on and off the field.

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