MLS preview: The top contenders to win it all with LAFC leading the way; Inter Miami could with Lionel Messi

The season begins Saturday, but who are the real contenders to win MLS Cup 2023?

Only a few more sleeps until Major League Soccer returns on Saturday. While the road to MLS Cup will be a longer one thanks to changes to the playoff format this season, teams will do their best to prevent Steve Cherundolo's Los Angeles FC squad from repeating this year. MLS is one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world with six different teams winning each of the last six MLS Cups, but who can consider themselves the cream of the crop heading into the year?

The below list is presented in no particular order but I'd back any team from the below group to lift MLS Cup at the end of the season: