MLS top scorers 2024: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke & players with the most goals in Major League Soccer this season

An opening day hat-trick in the 2024 MLS skyrocketed Christian Benteke's stocks as the former Crystal Palace forward continues to create havoc in America's premier division. He went on to register another hat-trick in May to further add to his tally.

The target man is an influential cog in DC United's forward battery and he'll be a major source of inspiration for DC United's success this term.

After winning the 2022 MLS Cup and following it up with a campaign that saw him land the 2023 MLS Golden Boot and lead the Black and Gold to yet another Cup win, Denis Bouanga's stock is among the highest across the MLS.

He had a slow start to the 2024 season, but he has put it behind him to reclaim his place among the MLS top scorers. He had scored eight goals till May and has since scored eight more goals in the space of three months.

Since he arrived in the MLS, Lionel Messi has added plenty of quality to David Beckham's Inter Miami. And with La Pulga playing a complete campaign, it's no surprise to see the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner high in this list, albeit the Argentine great has missed parts of the season through various injury problems.

Luis Suarez, Inter Miami's landmark signing in 2024, partnered with his former goal-scoring partner, Lionel Messi. The Uruguayan striker will be vying to replicate his Barcelona days at the Herons.

Cucho Hernandez had a prolific 2023 MLS campaign as the Colombian starlet thundered 21 goals and bagged eight assists last season. The Columbus Crew forward would be aiming to go one step ahead this term as he'll be looking to win the 2024 Golden Boot Award.

He has already matched last season's tally for assists and it will be interesting to see if he can cross the tally of goals as well.

Real Salt Lake acquired Cristian Arango to change their fortunes as the former Pachuca forward proved his worth having played half of the 2023 MLS campaign. But with the Colombian forward having the opportunity to lead the attack throughout the campaign, Arango would be aiming to continue his purple patch in front of goal.

Dániel Gazdag had enjoyed two successive MLS campaigns before the 2023/24 season scoring goals in double digits. The Hungarian has successfully hit double digits again this season and will be vying for the top spot.

Puig, now 25 years old, was a La Masia graduate during his youthful days in Spain. He joined the famous academy in 2013, progressing through the various youth teams into the reserves of the first-team. Since joining MLS, Puig has become one of MLS' elite attractions, capitalizing on the potential he's shown earlier in La Liga.

Pec joined Galaxy in January, in a club-record deal from Brazilian outfit Vasco de Gama, and has made an immediate impact, becoming the youngest player in club history to record 30 goal contributions in a single season. Recently announced as the 2024 Newcomer of the Year, his consistent performances proved his value, especially during key moments when the Galaxy were without star midfielder Riqui Puig.

Partnering with Felipe Mora in the final third for Portland is Jonathan Rodriguez. They are going toe-to-toe in the race to be the top scorer for the club.

A clinical and mobile striker, Brian White has been a goal-scoring revelation for the Whitecaps ever since joining the club in June 2021 via trade from Eastern Conference outfit New York Red Bulls.

He scored 15 goals in 2023 and is one course to cross that tally this year.

The Croatian striker a vital cog in the final third for FC Dallas. He scored a hat-trick against Minnesota United in the team's 5-3 win over them in June 2024.

Converted winger Alonso Martinez is scoring goals at a pace that puts him at the top of New York City FC's goalscoring record — and inside the top 10 of the Major League Soccer scoring charts this year.

Having joined Orlando City in 2022, and after failing to reach double figures in his first full season at the club, Facundo Torres has bagged 14 MLS goals for the second consecutive term.

On the overall goals front, the Uruguayan has become the club's all-time top scorer with 65 goals in all competitions - also tying Cyle Larin's club record for most goals in a single season with 18 across all competitions.

Los Angeles FC star Mateusz Bogusz has been in excellent form in the second half of the 2024 MLS season. A late push towards the end of the season could see him compete for the top prize.

Dejan Joveljic has contributed towards LA Galaxy's success this season, leading the line with over 15 goals to his name.

Brazilian playmaker Evander has been in splendid form for Portland Timbers, scoring goals and laying assists for fun. Known for his footwork, creativity, composure, and, of course, magic from thin air, he has become a fans favourite to watch and looks set to be a key cog for Timbers' playoff hopes.

Chilean forward Felipe Mora has done well to score more than 10 goals for Portland Timbers this season. As the club tries to push forward in the MLS standings, he will be key to winning that objective with more goals in the final third.

Andres Gomez will consider this a successful season at Real Salt Lake. He hit double digits for goals scored and registered nine assists before securing a move to Ligue 1 side Rennes in August 2024.

Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan made the switch from Inter Miami to New York Red Bulls as he had a scintillating campaign for The Red Bulls Metro after switching ships.

Morgan thundered 15 goals and three assists in his first season with the NY Red Bulls but followed it up with a shambolic campaign as he failed to produce any goal contributions throughout the 2022/23 MLS campaign. The attacking midfielder is on course to turn around his statistics this time around, having crossed double digits with more to come.