Players to watch in MLS 2024? Messi, Suárez, Forsberg, Lloris, ‘Cucho’...

A new season of Major League Soccer kicks off this Wednesday with the match between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake, making it the perfect time to review the standout players of the North American league for 2024. The list is led by Lionel Messi – who has new boots for the occasion – Luis Suárez, Emil Forsberg, Hugo Lloris, and Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández.

Inter Miami headline MLS 2024

The stars expected to shine brightly this year in North America are the FC Barcelona legends in Fort Lauderdale. It’s not just Messi and Suárez who are the key figures for the Herons, as the squad also boasts players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, providing additional depth under Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s guidance.

Moving on to one of the newcomers to North American soil, Forsberg aims to bring identity to the New York Red Bulls, helping them return to the playoffs and progress more effectively. The former RB Leipzig player relocates to New Jersey/New York, entering MLS as one of the standout figures for what could be a very promising year.

Hugo Lloris is the man poised to elevate LAFC’s goalkeeping to a new level, a move that came as a surprise after the stellar performances of Maxime Crepeau and John McCarthy. The 2018 World Cup champion with France aims to win titles in Los Angeles after guarding Tottenham’s goal in the Premier League for the past 11 years.

Finally, in this shortlist of top stars to watch, Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández stands out. Columbus Crew’s top scorer from last season has the task of defending the MLS Cup 2023 title alongside teammates like Diego Rossi, who is also recognized as one of the most talented players within North America’s top flight.

Bouanga, Acosta and Mukhtar

Denis Bouanga won the Golden Boot in 2023 and aims to lead the line well at LAFC for a second consecutive season and is determined to break his goal-scoring record.

Following him is the league MVP, Luciano Acosta, the linchpin of FC Cincinnati’s historic season. Despite facing some setbacks such as the departures of Brandon Vázquez and Álvaro Barreal, they must continue along that path. Last but certainly not least is Hany Mukhtar, who after an outstanding campaign in 2022, must make a strong return with Nashville SC in 2024.