Messi leads the historical ranking of the most valuable players who played in MLS with James Rodríguez in the top 5

Lionel Messi continues to be the player with the highest peak market value among all those who have played for Major League Soccer. The Argentine, who has defended Inter Miami since 2023, recorded 180 million euros as the maximum value in his career. The recent arrival of James Rodríguez to Minnesota United elevated the Colombian to fifth place in this historical ranking prepared by Transfermarkt.

The list considers the peak appreciation of each athlete throughout their professional career, regardless of when they played in the North American league. James Rodríguez reached 80 million euros at his peak, a value that puts him ahead of several established names who passed through MLS.

Ranking of the five most valuable

Transfermarkt updated the historical market value ranking after the transfer from James Rodríguez to Minnesota United. The rating reflects the peaks reached by players at any stage of their careers.

• Lionel Messi occupies the first position with a peak of 180 million euros recorded during his time at Barcelona.
• Gareth Bale, Luis Suárez and Heung-min
• James Rodríguez appears in fifth with 80 million euros, a value reached after Copa of Mundo in 2014.

Other athletes such as Alphonso Davies, Sergio Busquets and Lorenzo Insigne also appear in the top 10 with minimum peaks of 75 million euros. Essa metric highlights MLS’ growing appeal to stars at different career stages.

Transfer from James to Minnesota United

James Rodríguez signed with Minnesota United in late 2025, marking his first experience in the North American league. The 34-year-old Colombian arrives after spells at European and South American clubs, including Real Madrid and São Paulo.

The signing reinforces the Minnesota franchise’s strategy of attracting big names for the 2026 season. The player expressed satisfaction with the new challenge and is already training with the squad for the scheduled debut against Austin FC.

Presence of Messi in Inter Miami

Lionel Messi transferred to Inter Miami in July 2023, a move that immediately raised the level of MLS visibility. The Argentine won the Leagues Cup upon his arrival and remains the team’s technical reference.

Inter Miami records the highest average valuation among the league’s franchises, approaching 700 million dollars. The presence of Messi directly contributes to increasing attendance and sponsorship revenue.

Other highlights from the historical top 10

The historical list includes several players who made their mark in MLS at different times. Gareth Bale played for Los Angeles FC in 2022, while Luis Suárez has played alongside Messi for Inter Miami since 2024.

Alphonso Davies emerged in Vancouver Whitecaps before exploding in Bayern of Munique. Sergio Busquets and Lorenzo Insigne have also raised the technical level of their respective teams following recent arrivals.

MLS Evol.DO as a destination for stars

The Major League Soccer has established itself as a viable option for elite athletes at the end of their career or looking for new challenges. The league has expanded to 30 franchises and is preparing for the Copa of the Mundo of 2026, which will have games in the Estados Unidos.

Investments in infrastructure and competitive salaries attract players with a history at major European clubs. Minnesota United follows this trend by signing James Rodríguez to reinforce the midfield.

Current numbers versus historical peaks

Although current market values ​​are much lower than the peaks, historical comparison values ​​the impact of each athlete. Messi remains priced at 35 million euros in 2026, while James Rodríguez is priced at 2 million euros.

These numbers reflect age and current stage, but the ranking prioritizes the peak of each career. MLS benefits from this mix of established veterans and rising youngsters.

League economic growth

MLS franchises accumulate an average value of close to 700 million dollars each. Inter Miami leads this indicator thanks to the Messi effect, which increased ticket sales and broadcasting rights.

Other teams follow the model by investing in internationally recognized names. The arrival of James Rodríguez to Minnesota United represents another step in this strategic direction.

Major League Soccer records a constant increase in global audience. Partidas with the presence of stars like Messi and now James Rodríguez attract attention from South American and European markets.

Preparation for the 2026 season

Minnesota United starts pre-season with James Rodríguez integrated into the squad. The Colombian participates in friendlies and tactical sessions to adapt to the league’s style.

Inter Miami, in turn, maintains Messi as a protagonist in domestic and continental competitions. Ambas the teams aim for good performances in the MLS and in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The North American league is entering a phase of consolidation as an attractive destination for high-level football. The combination of modern infrastructure and ambitious projects supports this movement.