Matchday 31: Messi’s MVP form, Texas Derby & Hell is Real! | MLSSoccer.com

The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs race continues this weekend with 3 marquee matches throughout Matchday 31.

Here’s what to view as the routine season goes into the home stretch.

Inter Miami scheduled a playoff area midweek, and now the protecting MLS Cup provided by Audi champs can reinforce their hang on the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.

The Herons, who want to end up being the very first back-to-back MLS Cup winners considering that the 2011-12 LA Galaxy, have momentum on their side following 2 straight wins over D.C. United and New York City FC by a combined 6-0 scoreline.

Lionel Messi stays elite as ever and is the odds-on preferred to protect a historical Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat. He leads the Golden Boot provided by Audi race with a league-best 37 objective contributions(23g/14a), captaining a star-studded team that likewise consists of Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro.

An upset success would do marvels for Atlanta’s playoff hopes. They’re 6 points listed below the East’s last Wild Card area with 5 video games left, using wish to head coach Tata Martino’s side.

In spite of their battles in 2026, Atlanta have actually shown they can annoy Miami. Simply as they carried out in Wednesday’s 3-0 success over CF Montréal, star Designated Players Miguel Almirón and Breel Embolo scored when the Five Stripes held Miami to a 2-2 roadway attract early September.

What will the Walmart Saturday Showdown phase provide?

Boasting rights and important Western Conference points are on the line when Houston host Dallas for the Texas Derby.

The competition: Saturday’s winner declares El Capitán, the prize granted yearly to the season series victor. Dallas have the edge after winning a wild 4-3 match vs. Houston previously this year.

Second, the playoff ramifications: Both clubs are Western Conference competitors, and just 4 points different Dallas(3rd location) and Houston( 5th location)in the table. This one is a real “six-pointer,” and versus a bitter competitor no less.

Houston will lean on Guilherme, their Brazilian forward who’s an MLS Newcomer of the Year competitor. He’s contributed 16g/9a given that showing up from Santos FC throughout the winter season.

Dallas are led by Petar Musa, whose 19 objectives are 2nd in the Golden Boot race. The Croatian global included at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summertime and scored a psychological objective versus England.

Among MLS’s fiercest competitions takes spotlight as Cincinnati host Columbus for another edition of Hell is Real.

The stakes are especially high for Cincinnati, who get in Matchday 31 holding the Eastern Conference’s ninth and last playoff area. Columbus, on the other hand, have actually withstood a hard project that leaves them 4 points listed below Cincinnati, though they’ll enjoy a chance to close the space while complicating their competitors’playoff push.

Cincy boast lots of assaulting firepower, led by star playmaker Evander(13g/13a)and striker Kévin Denkey (17g/5a). The Orange & Blue have actually struggled to discover consistency under head coach Pat Noonan, leaving them with work to do in the home stretch.

Columbus have actually experienced turbulence of their own, consisting of a midseason training modification that saw Laurent Courtois take control of on an interim basis. They then ended up being hectic throughout the summertime transfer window, with Designated Players Brais Méndez and & Santiago Rodríguez the primary beginners.

Can Cincinnati enhance their playoff hopes, or will Columbus play spoiler in another smash hit edition of Hell is Real?