The MLS has and is undergoing a significant footballing and commercial transformation as the game gains more recognition and establishes its footing among fans and communities across the expansive United States market.
With this transformation comes a quality influx of high-quality players and talent from Europe and across the world.
Suárez ➡️ Messi
Just like they did at Barça 😏
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/FY5szXeZSp
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 15, 2024
While the expectation is that the top five list of the top players in the 2024 season will be dominated by recognizable players from major leagues in Europe, there is a surprising depth in the quality of talent in the MLS, which is highlighted by the descending of scouts from Europe in the market looking to unearth gems.
5. Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)
The first Inter Miami entrant on this list is the former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez. Reuniting with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, after they formed a formidable partnership alongside Neymar at Barcelona, is a tantalizing prospect for the MLS.
Luis Suarez is a good finisher and a flair player; his movement with and without the ball is still impeccable. Playing in a forward line with Lionel Messi will establish significant experience and pedigree that will elevate the two players to even greater heights in the MLS.
✈️🧉 pic.twitter.com/qjdXZaBHiZ
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) October 1, 2024
With 17 goals in 24 matches this season, Suarez will continue to be impactful in 2024 as he helps Inter Miami challenge for trophies.
4. Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC)
Denis Bouanga is the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner. His 25 goals showed his expansive quality in front of goal and connection with his fellow players, as he shot Los Angeles FC to the 2023 final against Columbus Crew, which they duly lost to the current champions.
Denis Bouanga’s fantastic game-winning goal against Cincinnati is your @CelsiusOfficial Energy Moment of the Matchday! pic.twitter.com/cvrcjdDV2s
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 1, 2024
Only Christian Benteke (21 goals) has a better scoring record this season than Bouanga, who has managed 18 goals in 29 appearances. Bouanga has shown his quality with some dynamic play in front of the goal and clinical finishing. His ability to play wide and through the middle for Los Angeles FC makes him an asset and sets him apart as one of the best players in the MLS in the 2024 season.
3. Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati)
The Argentinian international has been one of the top performers in the MLS. His exploits in 2023 in the MLS resulted in a Landon Donovan MLS MVP, which is the biggest individual honor in Major League Soccer.
The award was a recognition of Acosta’s quality and impact on the league. The 29-year-old has built on his exceptional 2023 display with 20 assists and 12 goals this season.
Luciano Acosta at Cincinnati this season.
THIS IS MADNESS! 😂🐐 https://t.co/4MsnsK6Q8D pic.twitter.com/DO0Zk4m1ky
— Crestovenia (@mcfc_cresto) September 29, 2024
His ability to find space even in the most packed of defenses makes him an asset to FC Cincinnati and one of the favorites for the MVP award for the second season running.
2. Cucho Hernandez (Columbus)
The former Watford attacker has demonstrated his lethal quality, scoring 16 goals and 12 assists for Columbus so far this season. He has been the go-to player for the reigning cup-holders. His goal-scoring exploits make him one of the best players in the MLS this season.
🔥 CUCHO HERNANDEZ!
Within minutes, Cucho casually scores a golazo then drops an absolute dime of an assist
🇨🇴 What a player pic.twitter.com/NYW1gXIynp
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 29, 2024
The Colombian international has been a key part of Columbus’s exploits this season with his ability to make an impact whenever he’s on the pitch. His consistency makes him one of the best players in the MLS right now.
1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Lionel Messi, the best player in the world for an extended period during his time at Barcelona and a World Cup and Copa America winner with Argentina, is an accomplished international talent that has given Inter Miami a quick boost to competitiveness in the MLS.
Having missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, Messi has not shown his full potential yet at Inter Miami and in the MLS, but as his continued selection by the World Champions Argentina continues to show, he is a quality player with a lot to offer.
People should never forget that Lionel Messi joined a hopeless team that was BOTTOM of the MLS when David Beckham signed him, ranked 29th!
Today, one year later, Inter Miami are already 1 trophy richer + TOP of the MLS with just 3 games left to play.
Insane impact! 🇦🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/YCDTnf4Ia6
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 30, 2024
At Inter Miami, he is joined by Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, providing the base for Messi to show his full potential in the MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is primed to be the best player in MLS and take the step along with the growth trajectory of the league’s commercial and footballing fortunes.
