Matchday 29: Messi's MVP hunt, St. Louis CITY's scorching form & more! | MLSSoccer.com

Matchday 29 resumes the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs race after an international break, with Lionel Messi’s return for Inter Miami CF headlining the weekend. Fresh off scoring 1 goal and adding 2 assists in Argentina’s farewell match, Messi leads Miami’s pursuit of becoming the first club to win back-to-back MLS Cups since the LA Galaxy in 2011-12. Still, Miami have been inconsistent, entering on a five-game winless stretch, including a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew. Elsewhere, D.C. United can close on the playoff race, while LAFC begins a turnaround under interim coach Xavi Tamarit versus Vancouver.