Inter Miami were crowned MLS Supporters’ Shield winners after defeating Columbus Crew earlier today. The game between the 2023 MLS Champions was thrilling and ended in a 3-2 victory for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami, who were the worst team in MLS last season, have now won the Supporters’ Shield. They have come into the spotlight since the arrival of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
The Supporters’ Shield is an annual award given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record, as determined by the MLS points system.
As the 2024 MLS season is coming to an end, certain players have stood out, making headlines with their exceptional performances. Rising stars, global icons, these footballers have lit up the league with goals, assists, and match-winning displays. Here is the top 10 MLS players this season, based on their overall match ratings.
10. Christian Benteke – D.C. United
- Rating: 7.72
Christian Benteke has proven to be a formidable force in D.C. United’s attack this season. He’s the leading scorer in the current season so far with 22 goals. His ability to hold up play and win aerial battles has made him a key player for the team.
9. Jordi Alba – Inter Miami
- Rating: 7.73
Despite not always grabbing the headlines, Jordi Alba’s influence on the pitch cannot be understated. The iconic left-back with his creative spark, consistently providing crucial passes and orchestrating play from left side of the pitch. His link up with Messi has really helped Inter Miami this season. Four goal and 8 assists in the MLS this season.
8. Luis Suarez – Inter Miami
- Rating: 7.75
The legendary striker continues to shine in the MLS, leading to their first Supporters’ Shield with his exceptional playmaking skills. A player of immense technical ability, Luis Suarez is a known player for his unbelievable scoring ability. He scored 18 goals and provided 6 in the MLS so far
7. Gabriel Pec – LA Galaxy
- Rating: 7.78
Gabriel Pec’s contributions to LA Galaxy’s attack have been outstanding. With his pace and trickery, Pec has caused problems for opposition defences all season long. His knack for scoring goals and providing assists has seen him rise to the forefront of Galaxy’s forward line. He has scored 14 goals and Provided 12 assists in the current MLS season.
6. Juan Hernández – Columbus Crew
- Rating: 7.79
Hernández has been a key figure for Columbus Crew and one of the best players in the league. The striker scored 17 goals, and provided 9 assists this season. Hernández has helped Columbus stay competitive.
5. Ryan Gauld – Vancouver Whitecaps
- Rating: 7.86
Ryan Gauld has had a stellar season with Vancouver Whitecaps, acting as the engine in their team. His work rate, combined with his creativity in the final third, has made him a constant threat to opponents. 9 goals, and 12 assists.
4. Luciano Acosta – FC Cincinnati
- Rating: 7.90
Luciano Acosta has been nothing short of brilliant for FC Cincinnati this season. Acosta has been at the heart of his team’s success, with his creativity and flair consistently setting him apart. Whether scoring goals or setting them up, his ability to influence games from the midfield has been extraordinary. His consistency is one of a kind, 13 goals and 16 assists is a huge number for the 30 years old.
3. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy
- Rating: 8.06
Former Barcelona midfielder, Riqui Puig has established himself as a key figure in LA Galaxy’s resurgence. His composure on the ball and ability to control the midfield has been instrumental. Puig’s technical abilities, vision, and passing accuracy have earned him high praise as one of the best midfielders in MLS this season. He scored 13 goals and add 7 assists to his name
2. Evander Ferreira – Portland Timbers
- Rating: 8.10
Evander has emerged as one of Portland Timbers’ standout players. His box-to-box presence, combined with his ability to create scoring opportunities, has made him one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the league. Evander’s contributions on both sides of the ball have been vital to Portland’s campaign. This season is one to remember for him with his 15 goals and 14 assists.
1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
- Rating: 8.32
Since joining Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has set the league alight. Despite playing fewer matches than many of his peers, Messi’s quality is undeniable. His contributions have been game-changing, whether it’s scoring spectacular goals or assisting his teammates. Messi has been a critical factor in Miami’s improved form, and his impact on the league has been nothing short of transformative. The Greatestest Player of all time played a total number of 17 games, scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists. He’s currently the best player in the league and top runner for the MLS Player of the season.