GOAL breaks down the most exciting and interesting storylines as the new season gets underway
Yes, we know why many of you are watching MLS. The presence of Lionel Messi has taken interest in the league to a new stratosphere. MLS was on an upward trajectory before, but the signing of Messi completely altered the its course, bringing in millions of new viewers along the way.
But, as we enter Messi's first full season in the US, it's important to remember that he and Inter Miami aren't the only story. They're a big one, yes, and they'll be covered more than any other club because of it but, outside of South Beach, there's plenty of MLS chaos just waiting to be unleashed in 2024.
So what are the storylines to watch out for? What should fans be most excited about as the 2024 campaign kicks off? GOAL has you covered…
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty ImagesBig-money signings
From the moment Messi arrived, the question became: how would MLS capitalize on that arrival? And, while the training wheels haven't quite come off for the league, clubs went a bit wild this winter with their spending to bring in some big-money stars, with transfer records broken in the process.
FC Dallas' deal for Croatia international Petar Musa could end up being worth around $13 million. The Chicago Fire dropped up to $14m to sign Belgian star Hugo Cuypers. The LA Galaxy spent big money to get both Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, while the Seattle Sounders opened their wallet to sign Pedro de la Vega, an Argentine prospect from Lanus.
It's not just young stars, either. Luis Suarez has of course joined Inter Miami, but he isn't the only familiar face in the league this season. Longtime Serie A standout Luis Muriel has arrived in Orlando, while the New York Red Bulls have signed Swedish star Emil Forsberg from their sister club RB Leipzig. There's a new goalkeeper in Los Angeles, too, as Tottenham favourite Hugo Lloris has linked up with LAFC this offseason.
The Messi effect is just starting to be felt but, combined with MLS' recent evolution into a launchpad for young stars, players are joining the league in bigger moves than we've ever seen.
AdvertisementUSA Today Sports New rules
We won't be seeing them for at least a little while as MLS and PRO remain in a labor dispute, but there are some exciting new rules coming at some point.
The league approved some changes heading into this season, headlined by a new off-field treatment rule. That states that any player who remains down with an injury for at least 15 seconds must then receive treatment for at least two minutes, with the league looking to combat time wasting.
In addition, a new timed substitution rule will require players to leave the field within 10 seconds when being taken out of a game. If they fail to leave, the replacement will have to wait an additional minute and enter at the next stoppage of play.
Both rules should speed up the game and take away some of the time-wasting behaviors that have turned many off in the past. It'll be interesting to see how they impact matches once officially unveiled when referees return.
Getty ImagesThe next breakout American star
While many of the U.S. men's national team's big stars play in Europe, it's important to remember that several of them got their start in MLS. So who's next to leap into a regular spot with the senior team?
Duncan McGuire is a contender. He would have been in Europe already if not for a blunder by Blackburn Rovers on deadline day. He'll be leaving soon enough but, for now, he remains with Orlando City for at least another few months.
John Tolkin is right on the edge of the USMNT, and the New York Red Bull star looks bound for Europe sooner or later as well. Jesus Ferreira is in the mix too and, despite his World Cup appearance, he's still only 23. Diego Luna is the people's pick, as anyone who likes a bit of fun in the game is rooting for the Real Salt Lake star.
Or could this season's breakout star be even younger? Teenagers Esmir Bajraktarevic, Benjamin Cremaschi and Caleb Wiley all have superstar potential. What kind of step forward will they take in 2024?
With both the Olympics and Copa America coming this summer, there are plenty of games ahead for these young stars.
GettyCopa America stars
Speaking of the Copa America, the big tournament is coming this summer. It will be played all over the U.S and there will be plenty of MLS representation on the field.
Argentina, of course, will have Messi, and possibly Thiago Almada, a World Cup winner. Messi's Miami teammates could very well be in the mix, too, with Suarez potentially joining Uruguay, Diego Gomez a contender to play for Paraguay and Leo Campana on the fringes of the Ecuador team. Orlando City's Facundo Torres could be in the mix for Uruguay, too.
Jamaica, Peru and Venezuela have always had MLS stars in their squads, while the U.S. and Canada will surely have representation as well. By the time the tournament rolls around, there will no doubt be plenty of MLS players on show.