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Team of the Matchday: Messi proves clutch, Nashville tie points record
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- Team of the Matchday: Messi proves clutch, Nashville tie points record
Team of the Matchday: Messi proves clutch, Nashville tie points record
By Justin Ruderman
The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs pursuit picked up steam ahead of Decision Day, with stars delivering to earn a spot on Matchday 34's Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.
Full team (3-4-3, left to right)
Starters:Kristijan Kahlina (CLT) - Henry Kessler (CLT), Sean Zawadzki (CLB), Benji Kikanović (SJ) - Ryan Gauld (VAN), Joaquín Pereyra (MIN), Marco Reus (LA), Lionel Messi (MIA) - Robert Lewandowski (CHI), Brian White (VAN), Vincent Janssen (POR)
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Coach:B.J. Callaghan (NSH)
Bench:Pablo Sisniega (SD), Mathías Laborda (VAN), Harbor Miller (LA), Cherrion Valerius (MIN), Dylan Chambost (CLB), Miguel Almirón (ATL), David Da Costa (POR), Cristian Espinoza (NSH), Jonathan Bamba (CHI)
Team highlights
Lionel Messi was at his heroic best in Inter Miami CF 's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire win at the New England Revolution , assisting the opener before scoring the late game-winner in a 2-1 result that booked the Herons' spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup .
Also on Sunday, head coach B.J. Callaghan led Supporters' Shield champions Nashville SC to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Red Bull New York to tie the MLS single-season points record of 74, previously set by Miami in 2024.
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After clinching the Western Conference top seed, Vancouver Whitecaps FC thrashed Seattle Sounders FC , 5-1 , behind 1g/2a from Ryan Gauld and a brace from top scorer Brian White , who reached a century of Whitecaps goals in the process.
Robert Lewandowski ended his goalscoring drought in a 4-2 triumph over the Colorado Rapids , netting the winner before adding an assist to solidify Chicago Fire FC 's grip on home-field advantage in the East.
Hot on Chicago's heels, Charlotte FC notched their second 4-0 victory within a week, this time over Orlando City . Henry Kessler netted the opener and helped goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina (seven saves) keep a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew booked their playoff spot following a 3-0 victory over D.C. United . Sean Zawadzki scored the opening goal while protecting the shutout.
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The Western Conference playoff race heated up as the Portland Timbers jumped into a Wild Card position, with summer signing Vincent Janssen (1g/2a) leading a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo FC .
The San Jose Earthquakes all but guaranteed home-field advantage in Round One, with Benji Kikanović 's game-winning goal securing a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake .
The LA Galaxy pushed into seventh place in the West courtesy of a 4-1 rout of Austin FC , with German playmaker Marco Reus tallying a trio of assists.
Last but not least, Joaquín Pereyra kept Minnesota United FC 's postseason hopes alive with a brace in a 3-1 win at LAFC .
