I’m most excited about …
A full season of Lionel Messi in MLS. The GOAT made an immediate impact for Inter Miami last year, but his best moments came in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup. There’s no guarantee of success for Inter Miami (see their chaotic pre-season). Messi, however, will surely produce some magic – assuming he can stay fit. Graham Ruthven
Seeing how the league’s talented young players grow. With Diego Luna, Noel Buck, and a host of others (including my personal favorite, who’s coming up shortly) ready to take a step forward, there’s a great crop of talent in MLS this year. As MLS strives for global relevance, developing and selling good young players is a useful tool. Joseph Lowery
The opportunity to track exciting young talents with big club roles, including those who might represent their country at this summer’s Olympics. The US’s Diego Luna (RSL) and Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Paraguay’s 20-year-old Diego Gómez (Inter Miami) and Argentina’s 22-year-old World Cup champion, Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), are just a few I’ll be watching closely. Megan Swanick
Young player who European clubs will be scouting …
Noel Buck. The New England Revolution’s 18-year-old midfielder has already been linked with a number of Premier League clubs and this could be the season his development reaches another level. He registered five combined goals and assists in 25 games last season. An improvement on that could prompt a bidding war. GR
18-year-old New York City FC forward Jovan Mijatović. He has all the makings of an elite talent. A rangy, left-footer, Mijatovic arrives in MLS from Red Star Belgrade – he was reportedly the subject of interest from Bayern Leverkusen after scoring eight goals in around 600 minutes in Serbia’s top-flight earlier this season. JL
Thiago Almada’s days with Atlanta United feel numbered, so numbered that I’m surprised they didn’t expire this winter. 22-year-old Almada may be the big transfer of the summer. But New England Revolution’s 18-year-old starting midfielder, Noel Buck, seems sure to accrue ever-increasing attention from across the sea, especially as the dual-national U19 England player impresses on the international stage as well. MS
Related: Mind the spine and be creative: the golden rules of MLS squad-building
Inter Miami’s season will finish …
With glory. Inter Miami have…