As Major League Soccer kicks off its landmark 30th season, the league has never been more talent-rich or globally competitive.
The 2025 campaign promises to be a watershed moment for American soccer, with record-breaking transfers, international superstars at their peak, and emerging talents ready to make their mark on the world stage.
The expansion to 30 teams with San Diego FC's debut has created new storylines, while established powers like Inter Miami and LA Galaxy continue their arms race for talent.
From eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi to MLS-record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath, this season features an unprecedented collection of world-class players competing for league supremacy.
The Established Elite
Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF
This is Lionel Messi's first-ever Best XI selection following a season where he led the league with 36 goal contributions, which ranks fifth all time in MLS history, and his 2.18 goal contributions per 90 in 2024 set a league record.
The Argentine maestro continues to defy age and expectations in his second full MLS campaign. At 37, Messi faces increased rotation due to Inter Miami's congested schedule including the FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.
Yet his impact remains transformational. Messi is the club's first-ever Best XI forward and now leads Miami's regular-season record books in goals (21) and assists (18).
When healthy and available, he remains MLS's most dynamic player, capable of single-handedly changing match outcomes through individual brilliance. The challenge for Messi in 2025 lies in managing his workload while maintaining match fitness.
Inter Miami's multiple competitions mean strategic rest periods, but when deployed, expect vintage Messi magic that continues to elevate American soccer's global profile.
Luis Suárez - Inter Miami CF
The Uruguayan striker's partnership with Messi has proven devastatingly effective. In 2024, Suárez pushed aside any doubts about his knees.
He scored 20 goals, tied with Lionel Messi for Inter Miami's club lead. At 38, Suárez combines predatory instincts with tactical intelligence, making him lethal in the final third.
Suárez has won Golden Boots in the Premier League and Eredivisie, and he's proven good enough to contend for that title in MLS.
The question, though, is how much will he play? Like Messi, managing his minutes across multiple competitions will be crucial for sustained excellence.
His aerial ability, clinical finishing, and chemistry with Miami's creative midfielders make him a constant scoring threat. The veteran's leadership qualities also provide invaluable guidance to younger teammates navigating high-pressure situations.
Christian Benteke - D.C. United
Christian Benteke became the first D.C. United player to earn Best XI honors since Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney in 2018. He accounted for 44.23 percent of the club's goals in 2024 – the highest mark in MLS this season – and tied Raúl Díaz Arce for the club's single-season goals record (23).
The Belgian's physical dominance remains unmatched in MLS. Nine of Benteke's goals came from headers in 2024, and the best MLS teams often played with the ball on the ground.
His aerial supremacy creates consistent goal-scoring opportunities while his hold-up play allows teammates to join attacks.
At 34, Benteke shows no signs of decline. His goal-scoring consistency on a D.C. United team that missed the playoffs demonstrates his individual quality transcends team limitations.
The Dynamic Playmakers
Denis Bouanga - LAFC
Denis Bouanga became just the fourth player in league history to record back-to-back 20-goal seasons in 2023 and 2024. He became the first player in LAFC's history to score at least 15 goals in consecutive seasons.
The Gabonese winger's pace, directness, and clinical finishing make him one of MLS's most feared attackers.
His versatility allows LAFC tactical flexibility, equally dangerous cutting inside from wide positions or operating centrally. Bouanga's consistency in big moments has established him as a playoff performer capable of deciding crucial matches.
Riqui Puig - LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig completes the midfield trio as the first Galaxy player to feature in the Best XI since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2019 after producing a team-leading and career-high 15 assists in 2024. The former Barcelona midfielder's technical ability and vision create constant goal-scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, Puig suffered a serious injury that will sideline him for much of 2025. His return timing will significantly impact LA Galaxy's championship aspirations, as his creative influence proved instrumental in their 2024 MLS Cup victory.
Luciano Acosta - FC Cincinnati
The Argentine attacking midfielder continues his excellent MLS form, providing creativity and goal threat from deeper positions. His set-piece delivery and through-ball accuracy make him FC Cincinnati's most important offensive player.
Acosta finished the 2024 season tied with Evander for the most assists (19) in regular-season play and was only behind Lionel Messi (36) for the most goal contributions of all MLS players with 34. His consistency in creating chances while contributing goals demonstrates his complete attacking skill set.
The Record-Breaking Newcomers
Emmanuel Latte Lath - Atlanta United
F - Emmanuel Latte Lath (2/4/25 - transfer from Middlesbrough FC) represents MLS's most expensive signing ever. The Ivorian striker arrives from English Championship football with high expectations and the pressure that accompanies record transfer fees.
Miguel Almiron comes back to the club where he became a superstar, providing Atlanta United with additional attacking firepower alongside their marquee signing.
The combination of Latte Lath's physicality and Almirón's pace creates intriguing tactical possibilities.
Atlanta United's investment in Latte Lath signals their championship ambitions. His adaptation to MLS will be closely monitored as the league's most expensive player carries enormous expectations.
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano - San Diego FC
Add to that a 30th team in San Diego FC, led by marquee signing Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, and this season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet. The Mexican winger brings Serie A and international experience to MLS's newest franchise.
Chucky Lozano and Anders Dreyer: What a one-two punch San Diego have in attack. Both players have been exceptional. His partnership with Danish winger Anders Dreyer provides San Diego FC with immediate attacking credibility in their expansion season.
Lozano's pace, dribbling ability, and Champions League experience make him one of MLS's most exciting additions. His adjustment to American soccer will determine San Diego FC's competitive ceiling.
Anders Dreyer - San Diego FC
Anders Dreyer is tactically flexible – he can play out wide, tuck inside in the pocket and be an outlet. He's comfortable in possession, highly technical and combines well. The Danish winger has impressed early in San Diego FC's inaugural season.
Dreyer's quality and versatility ensure San Diego haven't missed a beat while Chucky's been injured. Once Chucky comes back and gets up to full fitness, they could have one of the most dangerous winger combinations in MLS.
His European pedigree and immediate impact demonstrate MLS's rising talent level. Dreyer's technical ability and tactical intelligence make him a perfect complement to Lozano's directness.
The Underrated Performers
Diego Rossi - Columbus Crew
The best and most consistent player on the top team in the East. Columbus have enjoyed a red-hot start to the 2025 season, and Rossi has been there every step of the way. Constantly running behind the defense, linking up with his midfielders and putting the ball in the back of the net, the Uruguayan has six goals and one assist.
His combination of pace, finishing ability, and tactical awareness makes him Columbus Crew's most reliable attacking threat. Rossi's consistency in big moments has established him as an MVP candidate.
Cristian Espinoza - San Jose Earthquakes
The league leader in goal contributions with 11 (4g/7a) in 11 games, Espinoza has been one of the best wingers in MLS over the past three seasons. We would be talking about him a lot more if he weren't in a club that's been fighting to climb into the playoff places.
The Argentine winger's creativity and set-piece ability make him one of MLS's most underappreciated talents. His consistent production despite team struggles demonstrates individual quality that deserves wider recognition.
The Veteran Leaders
Lorenzo Insigne - Toronto FC
Despite struggles integrating into MLS initially, "I thought he was excellent today," head coach Robin Fraser told reporters post-match of Insigne.
"Again, his intelligence and understanding of what's happening on the field offensively and defensively, I think, is underestimated".
The Italian winger's technical ability remains elite, though his $15 million salary creates enormous pressure for consistent production. His recent improved form suggests potential breakthrough performances in 2025.
Sergio Busquets - Inter Miami CF
The Spanish midfielder's positional intelligence and passing range provide Inter Miami's foundation for success. His ability to dictate tempo and break up opposition attacks allows Miami's creative players freedom to flourish.
At 36, Busquets continues demonstrating that football intelligence transcends physical decline. His leadership and experience prove invaluable in high-pressure playoff situations.
The Rising Stars: Future Superstars
Cavan Sullivan - Philadelphia Union
Cavan Sullivan represents American soccer's brightest young talent. The teenage midfielder's technical ability and tactical maturity suggest a future USMNT star in development.
His breakthrough into Philadelphia Union's first team demonstrates MLS's commitment to youth development while providing a pathway for American talent to reach elite levels.
Brian White - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The American striker's consistent goal-scoring for Vancouver Whitecaps has established him as one of MLS's most reliable forwards. His work rate, positional awareness, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
White's development trajectory suggests continued improvement and potential national team opportunities if his form continues.
2025 Season Outlook
The talent distribution across MLS in 2025 creates genuine championship uncertainty. Inter Miami's star power makes them favorites, but LA Galaxy's depth, Columbus Crew's consistency, and dark horses like Atlanta United and San Diego FC ensure competitive balance.
Inter Miami and the rest of MLS teams are building their rosters ahead of the 2025 season looking to dethrone the LA Galaxy. The defending champions face increased pressure to repeat while managing player departures and new challenges.
The expanded playoff format means more teams have realistic championship aspirations, creating additional pressure on star players to deliver in crucial moments.
Individual awards like MVP will likely be decided by playoff performance rather than regular season statistics alone.
Global Recognition Growing
MLS's 2025 roster quality represents the league's most international and talent-rich era. The presence of players like Messi, Suárez, and Lozano attracts global attention while raising performance standards across the league.
The successful integration of international stars with domestic talent creates a unique competitive environment that benefits American player development.
Young Americans training alongside world-class veterans accelerates their growth and raises the USMNT's ceiling.
Quality Driving Innovation
The influx of technically gifted players forces MLS coaches to adapt tactically. Teams can no longer rely purely on athleticism and direct play when facing opponents with superior technical ability and tactical intelligence.
This evolution benefits the league's overall quality while providing better preparation for international competitions. American players exposed to higher tactical demands develop skills necessary for success in global competitions.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS season features an unprecedented collection of world-class talent spanning all age groups and nationalities.
From established legends like Messi and Suárez to exciting newcomers like Latte Lath and Lozano, the league offers compelling storylines and genuine championship uncertainty.
The successful integration of international superstars with emerging American talent creates a unique competitive environment that elevates everyone's performance.
As MLS enters its fourth decade, the 2025 season may be remembered as the moment American soccer truly arrived on the global stage. One certainty remains: MLS has never been more exciting or globally relevant than in 2025.