One of the most delightful things about MLS, in my view, is that the league still features a slew of elite No. 10s.

Of course, attacking midfielders still exist all over the world, popping up in half-spaces and providing must-see moments. But the way MLS’s crop of top-tier central playmakers often run a game is unique. As chief soccer officers across the league tend to allocate far more spending towards the attack than the defense, there’s plenty of room for free-roaming, game-breaking No. 10s to take over a match, bend the opposition’s structure, and beat individual defenders.

Two of those elite No. 10s soon meet in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: FC Cincinnati and Evander host Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi on Nov. 23 at TQL Stadium (5 pm E

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