MLS MVP Race: The Favorites
Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati)
Luciano Acosta has been a driving force behind FC Cincinnati’s incredible rise to the top of the MLS standings this season. The Argentine playmaker leads the league in assists, highlighting his unmatched vision and creativity in the final third. Acosta has an uncanny ability to break down opposing defenses with pinpoint passes, making him indispensable to Cincinnati’s attacking style. His role as captain further elevates his status, as he has been a leader both on and off the field, guiding his team to their best season in club history. What makes Acosta’s case for MVP so compelling is his dual-threat ability as both a playmaker and a goal-scorer. While primarily known for his assists, Acosta has also chipped in with key goals, often in clutch moments when his team needed him most. This season, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to step up in high-pressure situations, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's most reliable performers. His dynamic play has been the engine behind Cincinnati’s potent attack.
Moreover, Acosta's impact is not limited to his offensive contributions. His work rate and commitment on defense are equally important. He frequently drops back to help his team recover possession, making him a more complete player than many of his peers. This all-around game, combined with his leadership qualities, has made Acosta the beating heart of a Cincinnati team that has been the best in the Eastern Conference. Acosta's blend of creativity, leadership, and consistency make him a standout candidate for the 2024 MLS MVP award. His ability to elevate those around him, while also delivering in crucial moments himself, has been a key factor in FC Cincinnati’s rise to prominence. Without Acosta, Cincinnati’s historic season would not have been possible, and for that reason, he is deserving of serious MVP consideration.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS brought immediate attention and results, turning around Inter Miami’s fortunes almost single-handedly. Even though Messi missed several games due to injuries, his influence when he played was profound. In the matches he featured in, Messi displayed his world-class ability to control games, providing key assists and scoring pivotal goals. His ability to orchestrate attacks with precision passing, combined with his innate football intelligence, has made Miami a completely different team when he’s on the pitch. Messi’s leadership has gone beyond just his technical contributions. His presence has raised the level of play of his teammates, and his experience has helped guide Miami through difficult periods in the season. Miami’s rise from the bottom of the standings to playoff contention can largely be attributed to the Argentine’s ability to influence games and galvanize his squad. His leadership qualities and big-game experience have brought a new level of confidence to the entire team.
What sets Messi apart in the MVP conversation is not just his technical brilliance but his ability to make those around him better. While he may not have played as many games as some of the other MVP contenders, Messi’s ability to impact the game every time he steps on the field is unparalleled. His goals, assists, and leadership have transformed Miami from a struggling side into a playoff contender. Even with limited appearances, Messi remains a strong MVP candidate. His influence has been so profound that Miami’s identity as a team has shifted entirely with him at the helm. If Miami’s dramatic rise and his performances in key moments are taken into account, Messi’s case for MVP is as strong as any other player’s in the league.
Luis Suárez (Inter Miami)
Luis Suárez has had a transformative impact on Inter Miami’s season since his arrival. Partnering with Lionel Messi, Suárez has been a consistent goal-scorer, providing the team with a reliable finisher in the final third. His ability to position himself in dangerous areas, combined with his finishing ability, has made him one of the most feared strikers in MLS. Suárez’s contributions in crucial games have helped Miami remain competitive in their pursuit of a playoff spot. In addition to his goal-scoring, Suárez has brought a wealth of experience and leadership to a relatively young Miami side. His ability to mentor younger players and provide guidance in high-pressure situations has been invaluable. This experience has not only benefited the team but also helped him form a deadly partnership with Messi, as the two have combined for numerous goals and assists throughout the season.
Suárez’s intelligence on the field is evident in the way he creates space for himself and others. His off-the-ball movement draws defenders out of position, creating opportunities for his teammates. This tactical awareness, combined with his lethal finishing, has made Suárez a crucial piece of Miami’s attack. Even in games where he doesn’t score, his ability to open up defenses and contribute to the team’s overall attacking play is vital. While Messi often grabs the headlines, Suárez’s consistency and goal-scoring prowess make him an essential candidate for the MVP award. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, coupled with his leadership and tactical intelligence, have helped shape Miami’s season, making him one of the league's top players in 2024.
Cristian Arango (Real Salt Lake)
Cristian Arango has been a revelation for Real Salt Lake this season, becoming one of the league's most consistent and dangerous goal-scorers. Arango's ability to find the back of the net, often in critical moments, has propelled Salt Lake into the playoff conversation. His technical ability and poise in front of goal have made him the focal point of Salt Lake’s attack, and his consistency has been key to the team’s success this year. Arango’s influence goes beyond just goal-scoring. His movement off the ball has been instrumental in opening up space for his teammates, creating more opportunities for the entire squad. His intelligence and awareness allow him to position himself perfectly to capitalize on defensive lapses, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Additionally, his physical presence in the box has been a challenge for defenders all season long, and his aerial ability has added another dimension to Salt Lake’s attack.
What sets Arango apart is his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Throughout the season, he has delivered clutch goals in tight matches, ensuring that Salt Lake remains competitive in the race for a playoff spot. His composure and calmness in front of goal have been crucial for a team that relies heavily on his contributions to get results. Arango’s consistency, goal-scoring, and all-around influence make him a strong MVP candidate. His ability to lead Salt Lake’s attack, both as a finisher and a creator of opportunities, has elevated the entire team. As one of the league's most reliable forwards, Arango’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, and his case for MVP is built on his consistent and decisive performances.
Evander (Portland Timbers)
Evander’s arrival at Portland Timbers was met with high expectations, and he has more than lived up to the hype. The Brazilian playmaker has been the central figure in Portland’s attack, pulling the strings from midfield and dictating the tempo of games. His technical ability, combined with his vision, allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates while also being a consistent threat in front of goal himself. Evander’s playmaking has revitalized a Portland team that struggled early in the season but has since climbed back into playoff contention. What makes Evander’s case for MVP so strong is his versatility. Not only is he an elite playmaker, but he also contributes defensively, pressing high up the field and helping Portland regain possession. His ability to transition from defense to attack quickly has been crucial to Portland’s counter-attacking style. Evander’s influence on both ends of the pitch makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
Throughout the season, Evander has stepped up in big moments, delivering crucial assists and goals when his team needed them most. His leadership and composure under pressure have been key factors in Portland’s resurgence. Whether it’s unlocking a defense with a perfectly timed pass or scoring from distance, Evander’s ability to influence the game in multiple ways sets him apart from other MVP candidates. Given his all-around impact, consistency, and ability to shape games, Evander should be the MLS MVP for 2024. His performances have been transformative for Portland, and without him, the Timbers would not be in playoff contention. Evander’s technical brilliance, leadership, and versatility make him the most deserving candidate for the league’s highest individual honor.
