Lionel Messimore than doubled his salary to $25 million in his new contract with Inter Miami and earns more than twice as much as the second-highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, Los Angeles FC's Son Heung-min.

The USMNT captain tells PEOPLE what it was like to kick it with Lionel Messi, Alex Morgan and other soccer legends in a new ad ahead of the 2026 World Cup

After rumors surrounding an alleged conflict that led to his departure from Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano spoke publicly about Lionel Messi. Just four weeks ago, Javier Mascherano unexpectedly stepped down as Inter Miami head coach in the middle of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

Lionel Messi had a goal and two assists to become the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions, and Inter Miami doubled up Toronto FC 4-2, upping its winning streak on the road to six.

They’re wearing the orange and white-striped jersey of Abanderado Grandoli, the neighborhood club where Lionel Messi’s soccer journey started 34 years ago. From a nearby building, a mural of a young Messi watches over the children as they chase the ball.

He also won the Golden Boot presented by Audi last season, and finished the year with an MLS record 62 goal contributions (35g/28a) across the regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, leading the Herons to their first MLS Cup presented by Audi triumph along the way.