The MLS regular season is back for 2024! Major League Soccer is kicking off its 29^th season on Wednesday, February 21. Get ready for an exciting initial match between Inter Miami CF featuring eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and Real Salt Lake. All 29 MLS teams are set to compete in 34 regular-season games and all matches will be available to view and rewatch through Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription.

Look forward to an action-packed week, known as ‘2024 MLS Rivalry Week’, which takes place from May 11 to 18. This highly anticipated full week of games will feature top rival matchups, featuring 2023 MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew, playing against 2023 Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.

Finally, the last matchday known as Decision Day 2024 will be taking place on October 19, covering the final 14 matches of the season before the champion is announced on December 7. This MLS season is shaping up to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen before! With a huge lineup of talented teams all competing for the winning title, let’s take a look at the top teams to watch out for in the upcoming season:

Inter Miami FC

Inter Miami FC is arguably the top contender to take home the 2024 MLS championship title. This drastic change in the club’s trajectory of success began with the addition of global superstar, Lionel Messi. Prior to Messi’s switch in June 2023, Inter Miami was widely considered a last-place club with little recognition beyond its co-owner, David Beckham. Chief business officer of Inter Miami, Xavier Asensi, shared his thoughts on Messi’s impact saying, “When you go to Inter Miami, here it’s not that the player is bigger than the club—the player is bigger than the league.” The biggest evidence of Inter Miami’s destiny for glory can be witnessed on the field since gaining Messi. There’s been a drastic shift in the performance of the team with players showing more determination and skill than ever before. Messi has also proven to be a valuable asset, helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup title with his expert goals and assists. We can’t wait to see how the ‘Messi Effect’ contributes to the 2024 season for Inter Miami FC. 

Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew has consistently been a force to be reckoned with, going on to win last year’s MLS championship title. Fans are eagerly anticipating the unwavering performance by Columbus that’s expected to continue in the 2024 season. Unlike other teams featured on this list, Columbus Crew has the records to back them up to be potential champions this year. The Ohio team boasts of being 1 out of only 3 MLS clubs to win 3 or more MLS Cup titles. Also setting them apart is their loyal and dedicated fan base, famously known as the ‘Nordecke’ (pronounced “Nor-deck-uh”), which is translated to North Corner in German. These die-hard supporters make their presence known in every stadium by cheering on their favourite club. The German team also won the honorable Supporters’ Shield in 2004, 2008, and 2009, which is awarded to the MLS team with the best regular-season record. The future looks bright for Columbus Crew SC, whether you’re a long-time supporter or new fan, there are unlimited reasons to be cheering them on in the upcoming MLS season!

Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles FC has quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the MLS to date. With a passionate fan base and talented roster, they’re predicted by many to make it all the way in the 2024 MLS regular season. Like Columbus Crew, LAFC has established themselves as one of the top teams in the MLS. They currently hold the record for the best regular season points total in the history of Major League Soccer. One of their most impressive achievements was in 2019 when LAFC set a new record by scoring 72 points, beating the New York Red Bulls record of 71 points. Different from other MLS teams on this list, Los Angeles FC has gained a reputation for being the ‘coolest’ of them all due to the support from celebrities representing their LA pride. The most notable stars often seen as supporters in the stadiums are Adam Sandler, Will Ferrel, and Magic Johnson. The LAFC has demonstrated that being one of the newest additions to the MLS doesn’t mean they’re at a disadvantage compared to older teams. Through determination and passion for the game, Los Angeles FC has gained popularity rapidly and established a strong fan base. We can expect many more achievements from the team coming up in the new MLS season.

FC Cincinnati

It’s no secret to fans of the MLS that FC Cincinnati started out as one of the worst teams of the league. However, a miraculous turnaround transformed the team into one of the first contenders to take home the MLS cup this season. Between their debut in 2019 and 2021, they had a reputation for being the most dysfunctional team on and off the field, with all three seasons ranking among the top 10 worst-ever campaigns of the MLS. Presently, FC Cincinnati has redeemed themselves and is now considered one of the best teams in the league, who consistently play an attractive game of soccer in front of a stadium of adoring supporters.  Some suggest that their newfound success is thanks to their demanding coach, Pat Noonan, who takes a more business-like approach. However, we believe that the team of hard-working players played a key role in becoming more legitimate in the MLS community. FC Cincinnati is a perfect example of going from zero to hero, even when the odds are stacked against you, which is why we’ll be rooting for them this season!

Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union has consistently been a strong team in the Major League Soccer, with the potential to dominate the league. Philadelphia’s trajectory over the last 5 seasons has seen them go from winning their very first playoff game to becoming one of strongest competitors showcasing consistent success. The Union has one of the highest winning percentages in the league, consistently making it to the playoffs and competing for the MLS cup. The team is a perfect example of what it means to be a cohesive unit, the players’ ability to play well together is seen clearly at every game. Their caliber of teamwork is considered rare in professional soccer and gives them a unique advantage against their opponents. There’s no denying that Philadelphia is considered a fan favourite. They promise an electric atmosphere for supporters who attend, and work hard in representing the city they call home with pride. It’s no surprise that Philadelphia Union is impossible to ignore, and we expect big things from them in the 2024 MLS regular season.

Now that you know all of the top 5 clubs of the Major Soccer League we’ll be keeping an eye on, who do you predict taking home the MLS 2024 championship title? As the MLS season kicks off, we know there are a ton of memorable moments and legendary performances in store for us from these incredible teams. So, grab your jerseys and get ready for an action-packed new season!

Are you a die-hard fan of MLS? Check out our MLS collection featuring merch from Inter Miami & Toronto FC!