2023 Topps MLS

MLS had a strong 2023 season headlined by Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, and Topps captured that moment in their standard soccer release. This is a straightforward base set with rookie cards for incoming players and stars like Messi, Carlos Vela, and Luciano Acosta. The product landed as blaster boxes and hobby packs in a market where soccer cards remain niche compared to baseball or basketball, so supply was limited relative to collector demand. If you're building a set or chasing specific players, this one has more accessible pricing than the licensed vintage stuff but still respects modern hobby standards. What to chase here depends on your collecting angle. Base rookies are the long-term play, especially for young talent who might develop into bigger names. The set includes standard parallels, Chrome versions, and some insert sets that vary by box type. Autograph and memorabilia cards exist but are scarce and pull rates vary, so cracking boxes is a gamble unless you're targeting a specific player. Hobby boxes sit in a different tier than retail for hit quality, though the hobby premium isn't as steep as baseball. Messi cards hold value simply because of name recognition, but other players offer better long-term speculation if you bet on MLS growth. For most collectors, buying singles makes more sense than ripping. Soccer card depth isn't there yet for set builders, and unless you're lucky, boxes won't pay for themselves. This is better for casual fans of specific teams or players. If you're into MLS long-term, grab rookie base cards of prospects and hold. Compared to earlier Topps MLS releases, 2023 feels more stable and less speculative, which is a good sign for value retention if you're patient.