As Major League Soccer enters its 30th season, many familiar faces return, while several new talents join the ranks. The upcoming season brings back prominent players from the previous year, with some, like Jesus Ferreira and Lucho Acosta, switching teams, while others, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, aim to continue their impressive performances. Here’s a look at some standout players to keep an eye on as the season kicks off Saturday:

**Lionel Messi, Inter Miami**
Last season, Messi, the reigning MLS MVP, contributed to a total of 36 goals, scoring 20 and assisting 16. Despite being sidelined for 15 matches due to injuries and national duties, he played a crucial role in leading Inter Miami to secure the Supporters Shield and achieve the best regular-season record in MLS’s history. In addition to his club accolades, Messi is a World Cup champion with Argentina and has claimed both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best awards eight times throughout his illustrious career.

**Christian Benteke, D.C. United**
The Belgian international had an exceptional season with 23 goals, outpacing Messi, Luis Suarez, and LAFC’s Dénis Bouanga, who each scored 20. After joining D.C. United in the summer of 2022, Benteke has made a significant impact, becoming a two-time MLS All-Star and netting 38 goals since his arrival.

**Evander, FC Cincinnati**
After transferring from Portland Timbers for $12 million, Evander is set to make his mark in Cincinnati. The Brazilian forward had expressed dissatisfaction in Portland, which was evident through his social media activity. Last season, he scored 15 goals and topped the league with 19 assists, earning a finalist spot for MLS MVP and a place in the Best XI team of the league.

**Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union**
At just 15 years old, Sullivan is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in MLS. After signing a homegrown contract with the Union last year, which guarantees a future transfer to Manchester City upon turning 18, he made three appearances for the first team. Sullivan notably broke Freddy Adu’s record, becoming the youngest player to play in an MLS match by a margin of 13 days.

**Josef Martinez, San Jose Earthquakes**
Now with the San Jose Earthquakes under coach Bruce Arena, the 31-year-old Venezuelan couldn’t wait to rediscover his past glory. After a season with Toronto FC where he scored 13 goals, Martinez aims to recapture his outstanding form from 2018 when he was named MLS MVP and won the Golden Boot while playing for Atlanta United.

**Jesús Ferreira, Seattle Sounders**
Ferreira has transitioned to the Seattle Sounders after being traded from FC Dallas, where he became a fixture since being signed as a homegrown player in 2016. With 53 goals and 34 assists over 163 regular-season matches, the 24-year-old also represented the United States during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making him one of the most experienced players on the Sounders’ roster.

**Olivier Giroud, LAFC**
Despite not scoring in a regular-season match since joining LAFC from AC Milan last July, Giroud’s professional career boasts an impressive tally of 285 goals over 716 matches. The 38-year-old French forward has made significant contributions to his national team, scoring a record 57 goals and being part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. His seasoned presence is expected to offer valuable leadership for LAFC.

**Luis Suarez, Inter Miami**
Teaming up again with Messi, Suarez marked his arrival at Inter Miami last season with 20 goals and a nomination for MLS Newcomer of the Year. At 38, he maintains a strong connection with Messi from their days at Barcelona and has a notable international career, representing Uruguay 143 times and scoring 69 goals.

**Luciano Acosta, FC Dallas**
FC Dallas invested approximately $5 million to acquire Acosta from FC Cincinnati. The 2023 MLS MVP, Acosta has solidified his position as a franchise leader with 54 goals and 72 assists since joining Cincinnati in 2021. His presence was instrumental in transforming the team’s reputation after a challenging start in their first three seasons.

**Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, San Diego FC**
Lozano stands as the marquee player for Major League Soccer’s newest team, San Diego FC, becoming the club’s first designated player signing last June. The 28-year-old forward from Mexico City has previously played at Pachuca and Napoli. With 18 goals in 70 matches for the Mexican national team, he has also competed in the World Cups of 2018 and 2022, promising to draw attention during the season ahead.