Five players other than Messi to watch in the 2024 MLS season

The 2024 Major League Soccer season kicks off on Wednesday as Inter Miami play Real Salt Lake.

Lionel Messi's first full season in Florida is bound to be intriguing as he spearheads the club's attempt at a maiden league title.

But as everybody knows all about him, we chose to shine a light on a few of the league's other stars.

Here are five players apart from Messi to watch this term.

Alvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati)

Alvaro Barreal was one of the most impressive wing-backs in MLS last season, scoring eight goals and registering 13 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

That remarkable record of a goal involvement nearly every two games has caught the eye of European clubs, with a summer move a possibility.

Ajax and Lens are said to have been watching the 23-year-old, who still has plenty to give FC Cincinnati before any potential transfer.

Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami)

Watch the MLS live on Apple TV+ with an MLS Season Pass

Reuniting Luis Suarez with Messi is a mouth-watering prospect for Miami but Sergio Busquets is surely going to be just as integral to their success.

While Messi and Suarez will be a huge threat with the ball they are not going to offer much without it, meaning Busquets' ability to keep hold of possession is vital.

If the Spanish maestro is anywhere near his best, it is tough to imagine the opposition being given much of a sniff.

Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo)

Another veteran of the European game aiming to prove his class from the middle of the pitch is Hector Herrera.

The Mexico legend signed for Houston Dynamo from Atletico Madrid in 2022 and was fundamental in their run to lifting the US Open Cup last season.

Scoring six goals and assisting 16 in all competitions, the former Porto and Atletico Madrid playmaker can stamp his authority on MLS again.

Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

Thiago Almada has already played four times for Argentina and is a player destined for a move to a major European club.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder registered 28 goal involvements in 33 MLS matches last term, with his exceptional dribbling and passing making mincemeat of opposition.

Almada was quoted saying he wanted to leave Atlanta United last month — with Atletico Madrid said to be very keen — but remains Stateside for now. 

Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew)

Cucho Hernandez is one of the most exciting goalscorers in MLS, bagging nine goals in 16 appearances in his first half a season with Columbus Crew and 21 more in 33 matches last term.

The Colombia international also netted on three occasions in other competitions, registering 34 goal involvements in 37 outings overall in the 2023 campaign.

The 24-year-old scored five times for Watford in the 2021-22 Premier League season, including strikes against Manchester City and Arsenal, but has taken his output to a new level for The Crew.