The MLS has reached the halfway point of the 2025 season, and while some teams continue competing, others will pause due to the FIFA Club World Cup. With this break, Transfermarkt has released an updated list of player market values — and the biggest headline is that Lionel Messi is no longer the most valuable player in the league.
The Argentine superstar, who had held the top spot, saw his market value drop from €20 million to €18 million. He now shares second place with rising star Emmanuel Latte Lath from Atlanta United.
Who holds the top spot now?
According to Transfermarkt, the new most valuable player in Major League Soccer is Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy. Despite not playing during the first half of the season due to a knee injury, the Spanish midfielder now holds a market value of €20 million, making him the highest-valued player in the league.
His impressive performances last season — 17 goals and 14 assists in 36 matches — were enough to keep his value high. Even ahead of stars like Marco Reus and Lorenzo Insigne, Puig’s potential and prior form continue to turn heads.
Other top-valued MLS players
Among the league’s most valuable names is Emmanuel Latte Lath, who wasn’t even ranked in the top 10 back in April but now stands at €18 million, tying Messi for second place. His rapid rise with Atlanta United has been one of the surprises of the year.
His teammate Miguel Almirón is valued at €10 million, while Mexican star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano also holds the same valuation — placing both comfortably among MLS’s elite in terms of market worth.
