{"id":490204,"date":"2026-02-21T15:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T15:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/490204\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T15:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T15:45:14","slug":"hot-mls-players-lionel-messi-son-heung-min-and-more-soccer-studs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/490204\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot MLS Players: Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and More Soccer Studs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Major League Soccer is officially back, and the league\u2019s hottest players are ready to score.<\/p>\n

As soccer fans head to stadiums across the country on Saturday, February 21, to celebrate opening day of the 2026 MLS season, several athletes are sure to grab the attention of attendees with their talents.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re an average sports fan looking to dip into MLS, watching Lionel Messi<\/a>, Son Heung-min and Thomas M\u00fcller gives you three completely different types of star power in one league,\u201d MLS Season Pass<\/a> lead soccer analyst Taylor Twellman<\/a> exclusively shared with Us Weekly. \u201cTogether they represent global pedigree, championship experience and game-changing quality, and they make MLS must-watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

While their resumes and stats speak for themselves, these athletes also deserve recognition for their physical toughness as they try to help their team pull out a win during every match-up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoccer players are some of the most physically complete athletes in sports because they combine elite endurance, speed, strength and mental toughness all in one continuous performance,\u201d Twellman, who played professionally from 1999 to 2010, explained to Us. \u201cOver a 90-minute match, players routinely cover seven to nine miles, mixing long-distance running with repeated explosive sprints, sharp changes of direction, jumps, tackles, and physical collisions \u2014 all without the frequent stoppages you see in sports like football<\/a> or basketball<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Impressed yet?<\/p>\n

As a new season kicks off, Us is highlighting some of the biggest names in the sport. Keep reading to meet just some of the many talented \u2014 and hot \u2014 players breaking a sweat and winning big:<\/p>\n

Lionel Messi: Inter Miami CF
\n\"Hottest
\n Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo Courtesy of Antonela Roccuzzo\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cMessi is pure genius,\u201d soccer analyst Taylor Twellman told Us Weekly when praising the Argentine professional footballer. \u201cHe\u2019s the kind of player who can control an entire match with one touch or unlock a defense with a pass no one else sees.\u201d<\/p>\n

Son Heung-min: Los Angeles Football Club\u00a0
\n\"Hottest
\n Son Heung-min Courtesy of Son Heung-min\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cSon brings electric pace and big-moment finishing,\u201d Taylor Twellman shared with Us about one of Los Angeles\u2019 biggest athletes. \u201cHe\u2019s the type of forward who can score from anywhere and turn a counterattack into a highlight in seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gabriel Pec: Los Angeles Galaxy
\n\"Hottest
\n Gabriel Pec Courtesy of Gabriel Pec\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Happily married to Isabella Lipatin since 2024, Gabriel Pec can likely be found rooting for the Los Angeles Rams or Los Angeles Lakers when he\u2019s not on the soccer field.<\/p>\n

Rodrigo De Paul: Inter Miami CF
\n\"Hottest
\n Rodrigo De Paul Courtesy of Rodrigo De Paul\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Nicknamed \u201cEl Motorcito\u201d or \u201cThe Little Engine,\u201d Rodrigo De Paul works hand-in-hand with Lionel Messi to ensure Inter Miami CF comes out on top. He also currently has 13.9 million Instagram<\/a> followers.<\/p>\n

Sam Surridge: Nashville SC
\n\"Hottest
\n Sam Surridge Courtesy of Sam Surridge\/Instagam<\/p>\n

Nashville soccer fans love to call Sam Surridge \u201cSuper Sam\u201d for his ability to score under pressure. At this chapter in his career, Surridge has no interest in leaving.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m definitely happy at the moment in Nashville,\u201d he told MLS<\/a> in July 2025. \u201cI\u2019m settled, and it\u2019s going to take a lot for me to change that, because this is what I\u2019ve wanted in my career. I\u2019ve wanted that faith from a club, and so it\u2019ll take a lot for me to give that up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tristan Blackmon: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
\n\"Hottest
\n Tristan Blackmon Courtesy of Tristan Blackmon\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Described as a versatile defender capable of being deployed as a centre back, fullback or wingback, Tristan Blackmon was previously acquired by Whitecaps FC in a trade with Charlotte FC.<\/p>\n

Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov: San Diego FC
\n\"Hottest
\n Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov Courtesy of Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov\/Instagram<\/p>\n

After his wife, Debbie Schmidt Tverskov, welcomed a baby in December 2025, Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov is ready for game time. And yes, he\u2019s here to prove Los Angeles isn\u2019t the only Southern California city that can have a winning soccer team.<\/p>\n

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Philip Zinckernagel: Chicago Fire
\n\"Hottest
\n Philip Zinckernagel Courtesy of Philip Zinckernagel\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Married to Anna Leite Zinckernagel since August 2025, Philip Zinckernagel is in love and ready to lead his team to victory as an attacking midfielder.<\/p>\n

Petar Musa: FC Dallas
\n\"Hottest
\n Petar Musa Courtesy of Petar Musa\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Before it\u2019s time to suit up in his FC Dallas jersey, Petar Musa can likely be photographed with a best dressed-worthy look. After looking at his Instagram<\/a>, you\u2019ll see one of the hottest strikers in MLS clearly has an eye for style.<\/p>\n

Thomas M\u00fcller: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
\n\"Hottest
\n Thomas Mu\u0308ller Courtesy of Thomas Mu\u0308ller\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cM\u00fcller is the ultimate soccer brain,\u201d Taylor Twellman shared with Us Weekly about the German soccer stud. \u201cHe\u2019s constantly finding space, making clever runs and producing in the biggest moments without needing flashy moves.\u201d<\/p>\n

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