Power Rankings never cease to spark outrage. But here at Backheeled? We’re not here to cause anger. No, we’re here to dissect the latest performances, trends, tactics, and news for each of MLS’s 30 clubs. Every week during the MLS season, Ben Wright will guide you through the Eastern Conference teams and Joe Lowery will do the same for the West.
Okay, fine. We’re also here to spark some outrage, because we’re ranking all 30 teams, too. Power Rankings are based on each club’s average position across Ben and Joe’s individual rankings. Onwards.
1. Inter Miami
Trending: No change
We’ve seen it repeatedly since Lionel Messi arrived: Inter Miami get the best shot from whoever they’re playing, regardless of form.
That held true in their 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Sunday – and makes the fact that Messi keeps scoring even more impressive. He’s up to three goals and two assists in just 360 minutes this year. He’s not quite matching his two-goal-contributions-per-96-minutes pace from last year, but at 1.33 he’s not that far off. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Miami or Messi just yet. Things are going to get even better.
One way they could get better? Signing Kevin De Bruyne. One of the elite midfielders of his generation, De Bruyne recently announced he won’t return to Manchester City at the end of the season. He’s been linked with MLS for years, with San Diego FC the rumored destination until GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert debunked those reports. The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio reports that Miami hold his discovery rights, and would be an on-brand signing for the midfielder.
