MLS
Neymar wants to earn more than Messi at Miami: see his extraordinary demands
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Inter Miami but reports suggests he wants to be the club’s highest earner.
It seems increasingly likely that Neymar will soon change the shirt he wears on the football pitch, leaving Saudi Arabian soccer behind to pursue the “American dream” and join the MLS. However, the big question remains: which club will manage to secure the Brazilian star?
Recent reports suggest that Neymar and his team are already in discussions with three MLS clubs, including Inter Miami and, surprisingly, the Chicago Fire, who have expressed interest in signing the Brazilian forward in what would be a sensational coup for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
For now, no concrete steps have been taken toward Neymar’s move to U.S. soccer. However, on Thursday, L’Équipe revealed new details about Neymar and his entourage’s desire to move on from Al Hilal. Despite their interest, the terms of a potential transfer appear challenging to meet.
According to the French outlet, Neymar’s father has already met with MLS executives to explore possible agreements for a transfer six months before the expiration of Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal.
How much does Lionel Messi earns at Inter Miami?
One of the key conditions set by Neymar’s camp during these discussions is salary, which seems to be a decisive factor in moving negotiations forward.
According to the information, Neymar is seeking a salary higher than Lionel Messi’s; according to the MLSPA, he earns $20.4 million annually with Inter Miami.
While it’s not known exactly how much Neymar would earn were he to move to MLS, what’s certain is that finding enough wiggle room to afford such a high wage is what is keeping him from signing on the dotted line at this moment in time. The next highest earner at the club is Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, who earns just under $9 million per year. Suárez and Jordi Alba, the other half of the superstar quartet at the club, earn $1.5 million per campaign.
WATCH FOR FREE: Messi’s first Inter Miami game of 2025
MLS appear committed to their stance on not allowing a free-for-all market and for now, Neymar and his representatives can only hope they find a way to make room on the books. Then there’s the question of whether or not paying such a high wage is worth the impact the 32-year-old - who is yet to play this season due to various injuries - is worth the money. But that’s a debate for another day.
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