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The Top 10 Most Valuable Foreign Players in MLS

By Arthur Fernandes

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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The Major League Soccer (MLS) has undergone a true revolution in its visibility and prestige, and a significant portion of this success can be attributed to the arrival of the iconic Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar has brought a wave of excitement to the league, showcasing his class in his early games with Inter Miami and positively impacting the team’s overall performance. Despite being at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami secured a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals, a concrete proof of Messi’s influence on the field.

However, the MLS is no longer exclusively a stage for American players. With a growing presence of standout foreign athletes, the league is becoming an international melting pot of soccer talent. With that in mind, we present an opinion piece analyzing the top ten most valuable foreign players in the MLS, based on Transfermarkt data.

Ranking of the Top 10 Most Valuable Foreign Players in MLS:

  • Evander (€9 million): The Brazilian midfielder, a product of Vasco, has dazzled with Portland, establishing himself as one of the league’s top talents. His ability to control the game and create opportunities makes him one to watch.
PORTLAND, OREGON – JUNE 24: Evander #20 of the Portland Timbers prepares for a free kick during the second half against the New York City FC at Providence Park on June 24, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – JUNE 24: Evander #20 of the Portland Timbers prepares for a free kick during the second half against the New York City FC at Providence Park on June 24, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
  • Diego Rossi (€9.5 million): The Uruguayan forward, a jewel of Los Angeles FC, returned to the MLS after a stint with Fenerbahçe in Turkey. His decision to come back, now with Columbus Crew, showcases the league’s growing appeal.
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – 2023/07/15: Diego Rossi (16) of Fenerbahce in action during the Pari Premier Cup football match between Fenerbahce Istanbul and Neftci Baku at Stadium Smena. Fenerbahce S.K. team won against Neftci Baku PFK with a final score of 1:0. (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – 2023/07/15: Diego Rossi (16) of Fenerbahce in action during the Pari Premier Cup football match between Fenerbahce Istanbul and Neftci Baku at Stadium Smena. Fenerbahce S.K. team won against Neftci Baku PFK with a final score of 1:0. (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
  • Facundo Torres (€10 million): The young Uruguayan prodigy, an Orlando City forward, is a diamond in the making. His ability to unbalance matches and interest from Arsenal indicate a bright future.
ORLANDO CITY, FL – SEPTEMBER 7: Facundo Torres #17 of the Orlando City SC celebrates after scoring a goal by penalty during a game between Sacramento Republic FC and Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on September 7, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ORLANDO CITY, FL – SEPTEMBER 7: Facundo Torres #17 of the Orlando City SC celebrates after scoring a goal by penalty during a game between Sacramento Republic FC and Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on September 7, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
  • Cucho Hernández (€10 million): At 24 years old, the Colombian is one of the most feared attackers in the MLS. His game-changing abilities and energy on the field are an asset for Columbus Crew.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MAY 31: Cucho Hernández #9 of the Columbus Crew controls the ball during the match against the Colorado Rapids at Lower.com Field on May 31, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Colorado 3-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MAY 31: Cucho Hernández #9 of the Columbus Crew controls the ball during the match against the Colorado Rapids at Lower.com Field on May 31, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Colorado 3-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
  • Lorenzo Insigne (€12 million): The Italian star, choosing the MLS over European teams, brought a touch of elegance to Toronto. His presence bolsters the league and showcases its global appeal.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – 2023/07/01: Lorenzo Insigne #24 in action during the game between Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake at BMO field in Toronto.The game ended 0-1 for Real Salt Lake. (Photo by Angel Marchini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – 2023/07/01: Lorenzo Insigne #24 in action during the game between Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake at BMO field in Toronto.The game ended 0-1 for Real Salt Lake. (Photo by Angel Marchini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
  • Hany Mukhtar (€12 million): The German midfielder has stood out as one of the season’s best, boasting an impressive rate of goals and assists. His game-influencing ability places him among the top talents.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – MARCH 18: Hany Mukhtar #10 of Nashville SC passes the ball during a game between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
FOXBOROUGH, MA – MARCH 18: Hany Mukhtar #10 of Nashville SC passes the ball during a game between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
  • Talles Magno (€15 million): Another standout young Brazilian, Magno is already a champion with New York City. His versatility on the field makes him a valuable asset to the team.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 5: Talles Magno #43 of New York City FC keeps control of the ball in the first half of the Major League Soccer match against the Charlotte FC at Citi Field on July 5, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 5: Talles Magno #43 of New York City FC keeps control of the ball in the first half of the Major League Soccer match against the Charlotte FC at Citi Field on July 5, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images) /
  • Sebastián Driussi (€15 million): The Argentine recently joined the league but has already made his mark as the top scorer for Austin FC. His contribution highlights the rise of South American talents in the MLS.
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 14: Sebastián Driussi #10 of Austin FC reacts after scoring the first goal of the team during Round of 16 – Concacaf Champions League between Austin FC and Violette AC at Q2 Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 14: Sebastián Driussi #10 of Austin FC reacts after scoring the first goal of the team during Round of 16 – Concacaf Champions League between Austin FC and Violette AC at Q2 Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) /
  • Thiago Almada (€20 million): The only player to be a World Cup champion while playing in the MLS, Almada is a key piece for Atlanta United. His success exemplifies the league’s growing competitiveness.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JULY 12: Thiago Almada #23 of Atlanta United brings the ball forward during a game between Atlanta United FC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JULY 12: Thiago Almada #23 of Atlanta United brings the ball forward during a game between Atlanta United FC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
  • Lionel Messi (€35 million): There’s no denying that Messi is the MLS’s crown jewel. His arrival has brought an aura of greatness and a new level of global attention to the league, transforming teams and games with his unmistakable magic.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

The Major League Soccer is undeniably on the rise. The presence of these valuable and talented foreign players is elevating the league to a global arena of competition and entertainment. With stars like Messi leading the way, the MLS is destined to reach even more thrilling heights and secure a strong position on the global soccer stage.

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