Messi’s Inter Miami have also spent heavily, signing six players so far. However, this number pales in comparison to the expensive signings their MLS rivals have made.
Of which, Atlanta United bought 2 top players, including Miguel Almiron from Newcastle for a fee of 10 million USD and striker Emmanuel Latte Lath (26 years old, Ivory Coast) from Middlesbrough Club (both in England) for up to 22 million USD.
Atlanta United was the team that eliminated Messi’s Inter Miami in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs. In the 2025 season, they continued to spend heavily to strengthen their MLS Cup championship ambitions and compete fairly with David Beckham’s team in the Eastern Conference group.
Other big-money MLS 2025 signings include striker Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge (Bi) to FC Cincinnati for $15.89 million, followed by Mexican striker Hirving Lozano from PSV to San Diego FC for $12.46 million, and players Mirto Uzuni ($12.46 million) and Brandon Vazquez ($9.97 million) both to Austin FC.
Kevin Kelsy to Portland Timbers ($6.23 million) and Anders Dreyer to San Diego FC ($5.71 million). These transfer data are provided by Transfermarkt , according to AS (Spain).
With a series of MLS clubs spending money on players, the American league has entered the top 10 leagues in the world with the most spending in the winter transfer market. In total, MLS spent 173.72 million USD, just a little less than the Saudi Pro League ($174.41 million) of Saudi Arabia.
MLS’s spending ahead of the 2025 season is currently higher than the Argentine Premier League, the Championship (England’s first division), Liga MX (Mexico) and even the top leagues such as the Bundesliga (Germany) and La Liga of Spain.
While the English Premier League still leads with a total spending of 519.76 million USD, Serie A (Italy) is next with 238.31 million USD, Ligue 1 (France) also spent 209.55 million USD. Brazil’s Brasileirao League also invested 181.23 million USD, including the return of star Neymar to Santos Club.
The acquisition of many top players has helped MLS become more competitive. Messi’s Inter Miami will certainly be under more pressure in the 2025 season. Meanwhile, this tournament has also witnessed top stars coming to compete since 2024 such as Marco Reus (LA Galaxy), Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud (Los Angeles FC)…
