FIFA’s expanded compensation fund means the MLS team could receive a significant payout depending on Argentina and Canada’s runs.
Inter Miami to earn big bucks from Messi’s participation in World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi will even make Inter Miami money at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine star will bring the Herons around $5,000 for every day the Qatar 2022 champion spends at soccer’s biggest tournament.
In other words, if Argentina reach the final again, Messi could earn the US club around $285,000. Add Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate for club and country, and the MLS champion would receive $415,625, because Atlético Madrid, De Paul’s former team, would also receive money for the midfielder.
That is because FIFA has set up a $355 million fund to compensate clubs for each player called up, a significant increase from the little more than $200 million allocated at Qatar 2022.
Inter Miami will therefore collect $5,000 for every day one of its called-up players spends at the tournament. If Dayne St. Clair, the goalkeeper called up by Canada, is added to Messi and De Paul, the figure rises to just under half a million dollars, $467,700, bearing in mind the goalkeeper joined the club in January 2026.
Miami’s worst-case scenario
If Argentina and Canada are knocked out in the group stage, the amount would not fall by much. Inter Miami would still pocket $416,666.
If Argentina go out in the quarterfinals and Canada in the round of 32, the figure would rise to $424,249.
Inter Miami’s ceiling is $475,000, but that would only happen in the hypothetical case that both Argentina and Canada reach the World Cup final. I can say now with confidence, that is not going to happen.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.