# 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!

*By YPB Team · Published May 14, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-south-american-player-ever-to-play-in-mls*

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## Current results (0 votes)

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.

Tags: football, players, mls