After Lionel Messi?s $55 Million Move to Inter Miami, Here?s the Mammoth Taxes Set for Highest-Paid Athlete on US Soil

Lionel Messi sent the fans in shockwaves after rejecting a massive offer from Saudi Arabia. Instead, he chose David Beckham’s Inter Miami as his next destination. The Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal offered a whopping billion-dollar over three years.

His move to MLS has already shown its effects. Inter Miami games are sold out despite no details on when he will make his debut. Moreover, the MLS club is now the fifth most followed team in the US on Instagram. The transfer will help MLS enormously in the future and is considered a massive step with the country hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.?

There were no details on the exact numbers of his salary with the MLS club. Meanwhile, as time passed, details started to emerge. And now, reportedly, Messi will be the highest-paid athlete on US soil. The article intends to inform his gross salary and taxes he will pay in the US.

Tax breakdown of salary for Inter Miami bound Lionel Messi

A significant part of any athlete’s salary is the taxes they are liable to pay. Messi isn’t an exception to it. As per Andrew Petcash, a sports insider in the US, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will earn a $55 million salary at Inter Miami. It will result in the Argentine becoming the highest-paid athlete in the US. However, it will be his gross salary that will come down to $31.7 million after taxes.

Today we will break down what taxes Lionel Messi will pay. The first and foremost is the federal tax. As per Petcash, the Argentine will pay around $20.35 million a year in federal taxes. Meanwhile, as the Argentine will be based in Florida and play for Inter Miami, he will pay 0% tax. The simple reason being Florida is one of the few states that don’t charges such taxes to foreign athletes.?

Another important aspect where Messi will save on his salary is the agent fees. Jorge Messi, his father, is the agent of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, which saves a significant brokerage. However, the former Barcelona talisman will have to pay Jock Tax and FICA/ Medicare. Messi will pay approximately $1.64 million in Jock Taxes.?

READ MORE:?Lionel Messi Receives $25 Million Partnership With Saudi Arabia Days After Turning Down $1.6 Billion Favoring $60 Million Inter Miami MLS Move

FICA tax is the combination of social security and Medicare. Messi will pay $1.29 million yearly for those taxes. His total taxes will be $23.28 million. As a result, he will retain a significant chunk of his salary compared to the taxes he will pay.?

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Are you excited to see Lionel Messi take the field soon?