Messi and Busquets line up in LiveScore's best MLS XI
The 2024 Major League Soccer season is under way and Lionel Messi is bidding to captain Inter Miami to their first-ever title.
Ahead of the Florida outfit's home match against Orlando City on Matchday 2, we have picked our best XI from the American division — with Messi joined by several team-mates.
Goalkeeper: Roman Burki (St Louis)
Los Angeles FC newbie Hugo Lloris is left out in favour of ex-Borussia Dortmund stopper Roman Burki.
The Swiss, 33, won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023 after keeping eight clean sheets.
Right-back: Juan Mosquera (Portland Timbers)
At just 21, Juan Mosquera is the youngest member of our MLS XI.
The pacey Colombia international enjoyed a breakthrough season last time out, scoring two goals and registering six assists.
Centre-back: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew)
Shifting Steven Moreira from right-back to the right of a back three was an inspired call by Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy.
The Cape Verde star, 29, excelled in the position and helped fire his side to a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the 2023 MLS Cup final.
Centre-back: Walker Zimmerman (Nashville)
Walker Zimmerman is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in MLS history.
Still going strong at 30, the Nashville ace has been named MLS Defender of the Year twice and featured in the league's best XI on five occasions — including last season.
Left-back: Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
One of the best full-backs of the modern era, Jordi Alba is taking part in his first full MLS season after joining Miami in July 2023.
The 34-year-old Barcelona legend assisted Messi's goal in the 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy.
Centre midfield: Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami)
Another Spanish icon taking part in his first full MLS campaign.
Sergio Busquets, 35, will look to provide a defensive platform so the likes of Alba and Messi can shine further forward.
Centre midfield: Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)
Riqui Puig never made the grade at Barcelona but he is excelling in Los Angeles — and makes the cut over Houston Dynamo's Hector Herrera despite the Mexican's 19 assists in 2023.
The 24-year-old playmaker scored seven goals and registered eight assists in 29 MLS appearances for LA Galaxy last term.
Right wing: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The poster boy of MLS.
Messi-mania has gripped the US for nearly a year now, with the Argentine superstar bagging 12 goals in his first 16 appearances for Miami across all competitions.
Attacking midfield: Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)
It will surely not be long before Argentina ace Thiago Almada is terrorising defences in Europe.
The 22-year-old was sensational for Atlanta last term, recording an MLS-high 20 assists to go with 12 league goals.
Left wing: Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC)
Denis Bouanga, 29, won the MLS Golden Boot award last season with 25 goals in 36 appearances.
The Gabon ace even scored in the final loss to Columbus Crew — adding to his four other goals in the play-offs.
Striker: Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew)
Leaving out Miami star Luis Suarez may sound crazy but Cucho Hernandez's performances simply cannot be ignored.
The ex-Watford forward scored 21 goals and tallied 13 assists in MLS last term — numbers which were key to Crew's title win.
