5 favorites for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game MVP award | OneFootball

The battle for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game MVP award will be more competitive than ever as the league's best players come together to take on the Liga MX All-Stars.

Just two days before the start of Leagues Cup 2024, the top players from the MLS and Liga MX will compete in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. The biggest superstars in North American soccer will undoubtedly put on a show in front of a packed crowd at Lower.com Field, home to the reigning MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew.

Unfortunately, Inter Miami's Lionel Messi will not participate in the match after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America 2024 final. Even without the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, though, the MLS still has world-class players that are more than capable of taking over the game and, ultimately, winning the 2024 MLS All-Star Game MVP award.

Here's a breakdown of the five favorites from the MLS to win the individual award on July 24.

5 favorites for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game MVP award

5. Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba is still one of the best left-backs in the world. / Megan Briggs/GettyImages

Jordi Alba cemented his legacy as one of the best left-backs of all time in his years at Barcelona, and the Spaniard has transitioned rather seamlessly to the MLS. In fact, Alba already has five goals and nine assists in just 32 appearances for Inter Miami.

The 35-year-old will arguably be the best defender on the pitch on Wednesday night, and will get to show just how dynamic he is on the left flank against the best Liga MX has to offer.

4. Luciano Acosta

Luciano Acosta leads the MLS in assists with 15. / Jeff Dean/GettyImages

Last year, Luciano Acosta won the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award after leading FC Cincinnati to their first ever Supporters’ Shield. The 30-year-old has had just as prolific a start to Cincinnati's 2024 campaign, leading the Orange and Blue in goalscoring (11) and assists (15). Acosta's 15 assists are also the most by any player in the MLS this season.

As one of the best No. 10s in the league, Acosta will captain the MLS All-Stars against the Liga MX All-Stars.

3. Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig already has 8 goals and five assists for LA Galaxy this season. / Shaun Clark/GettyImages

Riqui Puig has played a major role in LA Galaxy's resurgence to the top of the Western Conference. The 24-year-old is one of the most creative, accurate passers in the league, creating 39 chances in just 22 matches for LA Galaxy. The Spaniard has also already exceeded his total assists from last season, recording five in the first half of the 2024 campaign.

Puig's passing might get all the attention, but the midfielder also has a powerful right-foot, and can be trusted to bury chances in front of goal when called upon. In fact, he has the third-most goals (8) for LA Galaxy so far this season.

2. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets is one of Inter Miami's best players. / Megan Briggs/GettyImages

Even at 36 years old, Sergio Busquets is still the best defensive midfielder in the MLS. The former Barcelona player has won just about every trophy imaginable at both the club and international level, and now, he could add an MLS All-Star MVP award to his collection.

The Inter Miami man has already played over 1,900 minutes in the 2024 MLS season, and hardly ever puts a foot wrong, with or without the ball. He might not have the flashy statistics of attacking midfielders or forwards, but his contributions in the middle of the pitch often result in game-deciding (and game-winning) plays.

1. Cucho Hernandez

Cucho Hernandez is the reigning 2023 MLS Cup MVP. / Kirk Irwin/GettyImages

After winning the 2023 MLS Cup MVP, Cucho Hernandez could add another MVP award to his trophy cabinet on July 24. The striker was instrumental in Columbus Crew's MLS Cup Playoffs run last year, recording five goals, including the opener in the final against LAFC.

Cucho's elite form last season was anything but a fluke. The 24-year-old already has 13 goals and 6 assists in just 18 appearances in the Crew's 2024 campaign. If history is any indication, the Colombian has no trouble finding the back of the net when the lights are the brightest.