Most valuable players in the MLS; Messi loses top spot

With Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders and LAFC set to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, Major League Soccer will have three clubs catapulted onto the world stage this summer.

Well into it's 30th season, the MLS has undergone drastic change over the years and right now there is a feeling that has entered a peak in terms of quality.

The 'retirement league' label is hard to shift and whilst it is still home to some ageing stars, there has been a clear change in tack from MLS sides in recent times.

All but two of the top-10 biggest sales from MLS clubs have come since the turn of 2020.

This shows that clubs in North America's flagship league have the capability to develop young players to the point where they can compete amongst Europe's best.

Jhon Duran, Alphonso Davies and Miguel Almiron are just three of the names that feature amongst this list of talented outgoings.

Change can also be seen when you look at Major League Soccer's record signings.

Emmanuel Latte Lath (26) and Kevin Denkey (24) top the list and were both signed this season and are at ages where their value could increase with good performances.

Top 10 most valuable MLS players

*All values according to Transfermarkt.co.uk

Lionel Messi - who is in excellent form with Inter Miami - has dropped off the top spot with his value decreasing €2m, meaning fellow La Masia graduate Riqui Puig has first place all to himself.

Puig has been a revelation since he made the switch LA Galaxy, earning a place in the Team of the Season in each of the last two years.

The 25-year-old is yet to make an appearance in 2025 after suffering an injury but he directly contributed to 29 goals in 33 MLS games last season.

Second place is now shared by Messi and Emmanuel Latte Lath who are both valued at €18m.

Next are the FC Cincinnati pairing of Evander and Kevin Denkey whose estimated market values of €14m mean they occupy the fourth and fifth spots.

FC Cincinnati are relatively new to Major League Soccer but won the Supporters' Shield in 2023. This award is given to the team with the best regular season record at the end of the campaign.

One time Napoli record signing Hirving Lozano also features.

The Mexican winger recently joined San Diego FC - the most recent arrival into MLS - scoring five goals and assisting a further five so far in his first season in the US.

William Dobbie

• MLS
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