Lionel Messi is putting on an absolute clinic, leading the Golden Boot race with a jaw-dropping 37 goal contributions, including 23 goals and 14 assists. Inter Miami locked down a playoff spot midweek, but they’re not done yet, now pushing hard to secure that Eastern Conference No. 2 seed.
Messi Mania Continues as Miami Chases History
Seriously, folks, Messi is playing like he’s trying to win a historic Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat, and honestly, who’s going to stop him? He’s captaining a stacked squad that includes Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Casemiro. These Herons are the defending MLS Cup champions, and they’re gunning to be the first back-to-back winners since the 2011-12 LA Galaxy. They’ve got serious momentum, too, rolling over D.C. United and New York City FC with a combined 6-0 scoreline in their last two outings.
For Atlanta United, though, this Walmart Saturday Showdown on Saturday at 7:30 pm ET is massive. Head coach Tata Martino’s side is six points below the East’s final Wild Card spot with five games left. It’s not over yet! Remember when Miguel Almirón and Breel Embolo scored and Atlanta held Miami to a 2-2 road draw back in early September? Atlanta proved they can frustrate Miami, and they just took down CF Montréal 3-0 on Wednesday with goals from those same guys. This is going to be a battle.
Rivalries Ignite as Playoff Picture Sharpens
Out in the Western Conference, the Texas Derby on Saturday at 8:30 pm ET is going to be straight fire. Houston Dynamo FC hosting FC Dallas isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about crucial Western Conference points. The winner takes home El Capitán, the season series trophy. Dallas has the edge from a wild 4-3 win earlier this year. But this isn’t just a rivalry game, it’s a true “six-pointer” with Dallas sitting third and Houston fifth, only four points apart in the table. Houston’s leaning on Guilherme, their Brazilian forward who’s a contender for MLS Newcomer of the Year with 16 goals and 9 assists since arriving this winter. Dallas has Petar Musa, who’s second in the Golden Boot race with 19 goals. The Croatian international even featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer and scored against England. Talk about a heavyweight clash!
Then we got Hell is Real on Sunday at 5 pm PT, with FC Cincinnati welcoming Columbus Crew. This is one of MLS’s fiercest rivalries, and the stakes are through the roof for Cincinnati. They’re holding onto the Eastern Conference’s ninth and final playoff spot. Columbus, on the other hand, has had a rough 2026 campaign, but in a rivalry game like this? Anything can happen.
Matchday 31 is absolutely stacked with playoff implications and heated rivalries. Whether it’s Messi chasing history or teams fighting for their postseason lives, this weekend is going to deliver some insane drama across MLS. You absolutely don’t want to miss a second of it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply