Who is the best South American player ever to play in MLS?

Bolivian playmakers of the 90s, Argentine MVPs of the 2010s and modern Inter Miami headliners — South America has shaped MLS history more than any other region. Cast your vote!

1

Lionel Messi

Argentine icon whose Inter Miami arrival made him the biggest South American to ever play in MLS.

2

Carlos Valderrama

Colombian playmaker and 1996 inaugural MLS MVP with the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

3

Marco Etcheverry

Bolivian playmaker who led DC United to three of the first four MLS Cups.

4

Diego Valeri

Argentine playmaker, the 2017 MLS MVP and Portland Timbers' all-time leading scorer.

5

Josef Martinez

Venezuelan striker whose 31-goal 2018 MVP campaign powered Atlanta United to MLS Cup glory.

6

Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Argentine winger and 2008 MLS MVP who led Columbus Crew to their first MLS Cup.

7

Juan Pablo Angel

Colombian striker who joined New York Red Bulls and was twice an MLS Best XI selection.

8

Federico Higuain

Argentine playmaker, Columbus Crew's leading scorer in their 2015 MLS Cup-final season.

9

Maximiliano Moralez

Diminutive Argentine playmaker who helped lead NYCFC to the 2021 MLS Cup.

10

Cristian Espinoza

Argentine winger and San Jose Earthquakes assist leader of the 2020s.

11

Luciano Acosta

Argentine playmaker and 2023 MLS MVP with FC Cincinnati.

12

Sebastian Driussi

Argentine forward and 2022 MLS Best XI selection with Austin FC.

13

Thiago Almada

Argentine winger and 2022 World Cup winner who shone for Atlanta United before moving on.

14

Mauricio Pereyra

Uruguayan playmaker, Orlando City captain and MLS Best XI midfielder.

15

Luis Suarez

Uruguayan striker who joined Inter Miami in 2024 and immediately became an MLS scoring force.

16

Jaime Moreno

Bolivian striker, three-time MLS Cup winner and longtime DC United top scorer.

17

Nelson Valdez

Paraguayan striker whose Seattle Sounders spell included a 2014 Supporters' Shield.