Top 5 MLS teams to support in 2023

Let’s take a look at the most exciting teams in the Major League Soccer.

The arrival of Lionel Messi has attracted unprecedented attention toward Major League Soccer (MLS). While some football enthusiasts may check out a game or two to see where Messi is going to end his career, others might be enticed to support a team in the North American soccer league.

As teams return from the Leagues Cup to restart the MLS campaign, let’s check out the most exciting sides in the competition.

St. Louis CITY SC

The biggest surprise of the 2023 season has been St. Louis’s rise to the top of the Western Conference table. Under Bradly Carnell, St. Louis have found an effective style of play, maintaining consistency with their impressive attacking displays.

Most observers speculated that LAFC would manage to leapfrog St. Louis from the top of the table before the Leagues Cup break. But Carnell’s side have managed to maintain a four-point lead over their closest rivals.

Players to watch: Eduard Löwen, Roman Bürki, Nicholas Gioacchini

Columbus Crew

Columbus have been in decline since winning the MLS Cup in 2020. But they have, nevertheless, maintained their attractive style of play in recent seasons.

Under Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have improved their attacking stats, with Cucho Hernandez and Malte Amundsen both being among the league’s top scorers. However, they also still struggle with defensive issues that have kept them in the middle of the MLS table so far this season.

Players to watch: Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi, Aidan Morris

Philadelphia Union

As one of MLS’ major powerhouses, Philadelphia have stayed consistent with their attractive style of play in recent campaigns. Following a heartbreaking defeat in the MLS Cup final last season, Union are once again one of the top favourites to win the title.

Last season, Union boasted the best attacking stats in the league, scoring a staggering 72 goals. While still playing high-pressing football under Jim Curtin, the team have also shown improved defensive stability this season.

Players to watch: Jose Martinez, Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza

LAFC

LAFC was arguably the best-known MLS side outside the U.S. before Messi’s move to Inter Miami. Signing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale surely helped LAFC’s reputation, but maintaining a high-quality squad has been key to their success.

Since the end of Carlos Vela’s glorious spell at the club, Steve Cherundolo has reshaped his side’s attacking line around Denis Bouanga. LA FC’s thrilling games are accompanied by their exceptional fan culture and stadium atmosphere.

Players to watch: Denis Bouanga, Giorgio Chiellini, Stipe Biuk

Inter Miami

Inter Miami have changed the entire soccer landscape of the USA by adding three top-class stars to their ranks this summer. The arrival of Messi has already doubled the T.V. viewership of the league, attracting more attention to the club’s development under the ownership of David Beckham.

In addition to Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have also joined Inter Miami’s ranks, with Gerardo Martino taking over as their new manager.

Martino’s side currently sit at the rock bottom of the Eastern Conference table. But Messi’s magic hints at a dramatic turnaround toward the end of the campaign.

Players to Watch: Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba.