The 3 MLS players turning heads at the World Cup this year | OneFootball

MLS is the North American league, with clubs competing from the United States and Canada. These two countries are co-hosting the World Cup along with Mexico. Therefore, it is fitting that players based in MLS are impressing in the tournament.

This is great for MLS as it shows that it is a quality division despite often being regarded as way below Europe's top five leagues. If they continue to impress, then more players could see MLS as a good destination for them that would not necessarily see the end of their international careers.

The 3 MLS players turning heads at the World Cup this year

Lionel Messi

Whilst Lionel Messi is, of course, one of the greatest players ever, he is now 39 years old. Many fans thought that he would retire after the 2022 World Cup, which he won with Argentina. However, he has kept his place in Argentina's lineup despite now playing for Inter Miami in MLS. Lionel Scaloni has younger options playing at top European clubs, but they are still not going to start ahead of Messi.

Messi's decision to carry on at the international level has proved the right decision. He has scored six goals in Argentina's three group games. He has now broken Miroslav Klose's World Cup record for goals. Messi is now on 19, which is three ahead of Klose and Kylian Mbappe.

The Argentine will be expected to add to his tally when they play Cabo Verde in the round of 32. Messi has the chance to deliver another World Cup trophy for Argentina, which would put him ahead of the number Diego Maradona won.

Stephen Eustaquio

Stephen Eustaquio is currently on loan at Los Angeles FC from FC Porto. The Canadian has now scored the winning goal to get his country to the round of 16. Eustaquio scored in added time as Canada defeated South Africa 1-0.

Eustaquio has been captaining Canada in Alphonso Davies' absence. However, he did hand the armband over to Davies when the Bayern Munich player came on as a substitute against South Africa.

Canada's opponents in the next round will be either the Netherlands or Morocco. The Netherlands have been runners-up in the World Cup on three occasions. Morocco got to the semi-finals of the last tournament. Therefore, it would be a shock if Jesse Marsch's side gets past either of them.

Matt Freese

The USMNT has been criticized for not having a current goalkeeper competing in Europe. Matt Turner was the Stars and Stripes' keeper at the last World Cup, when he was with Arsenal. However, he is now back on loan at the New England Revolution from Olympique Lyonnais.

Matt Freese of New York City FC has been Mauricio Pochettino's first-choice keeper. Freese impressed in the USMNT's opening two games as he conceded just one goal. He was rested against Turkey, with Turner coming back into the side. However, Turner did not impress as the USMNT lost 3-2.

Freese is expected to return to the lineup as the USMNT takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. If they get past Bosnia, then the Stars and Stripes will play either Belgium or Senegal in the last 16.

If Freese continues to impress, then there will no doubt be interest from Europe. He is now 27, which is still relatively young for a keeper. Freese is contracted to NYCFC until 2030, and there has not been much speculation about him moving across the Atlantic. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to return to club soccer after the World Cup. Therefore, the Argentine could take Freese with him as he clearly rates him very highly.