Messi, Griezmann headline MLS Team of the Matchday as Matchday 31 playoff race intensifies

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann were the central figures as MLS’ Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs race heated up during Matchday 31, with the league naming its latest Team of the Matchday presented by Audi. The selections reflect a weekend slate of results that tightened the postseason picture across both conferences, with multiple clubs moving closer to— or into— playoff positioning.

Messi’s inclusion was driven by a record-setting performance in Inter Miami CF’s 3-1 victory at Atlanta United. According to MLS, Messi contributed 2 goals and 1 assist and became the first player in league history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. MLS also states that his league-leading totals rose to 25 goals and 15 assists, with the league noting the scale of his output as the playoff race continues.

Orlando City’s attacking surge helped fuel another headline name on the Team of the Matchday: Antoine Griezmann. MLS reports that Griezmann scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in Orlando’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, including setting up club-record goalscorer Martín Ojeda for an AT&T Goal of the Year contender featuring an audacious scorpion kick finish. The league also highlights Orlando’s wider form, describing the run as an undefeated record across all competitions entering the period covered by the Team of the Matchday.

The Team of the Matchday selections also reflect the crucial impact of weekend results for playoff-contending teams. MLS states that the Columbus Crew pulled within one point of a playoff spot following a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati, with summer signing Gonzalo Tapia scoring and assisting in the Hell is Real victory. That result is tied to Columbus’ coaching situation in MLS’ recap, which notes interim manager Laurent Courtois for the Crew.

Charlotte FC’s match also delivered key contributions recognized by MLS. Israeli international forward Idan Toklomati is listed among the Team of the Matchday starters after assisting Charlotte’s first goal and scoring its second in a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union. MLS describes the outcome as part of Charlotte’s continued push for results while the playoff race remains active.

Defensive work was another theme in the weekend’s selections. MLS lists Neil Pierre, newly-minted as a US international, among the Team of the Matchday starters for his role in helping his club secure a point. The league credits Pierre with the “most defensive contributions” in his match, tallying 18 defensive contributions, and frames the recognition as a direct result of the impact he had during the contest.

Real Salt Lake kept its postseason hopes alive with a result that also earned a prominent piece of recognition. MLS reports that Morgan Guilavogui scored twice in a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, lifting Real Salt Lake within three points of the Western Conference’s final Wild Card spot. Guilavogui is named in the Team of the Matchday as part of a broader selection that includes defenders and midfield creators from multiple clubs.

In Texas, Houston Dynamo FC clinched a postseason berth in a 2-2 Texas Derby draw against FC Dallas, with the league crediting Héctor Herrera for heading home from a corner kick. MLS includes Herrera among the named Team of the Matchday starters, tying the recognition to Houston’s milestone achievement and the scoring sequence that contributed to the draw.

Rounding out the weekend’s shared scores, MLS notes that LA Galaxy drew SoCal rivals San Diego FC 2-2. The league reports that homegrown fullback Harbor Miller assisted during the match, supporting LA’s position as it maintains a hold on a Wild Card spot. Miller is included among the Team of the Matchday starters, and the selection underscores how wide-area contributions can matter when clubs are battling for playoff seeding.

Seattle Sounders FC also earned a Team of the Matchday spot after continuing its momentum in the late stages of the match. MLS describes a 1-1 draw against CF Montréal, with the league highlighting Yéimar Gómez Andrade for lock-down play at center back. Gómez Andrade is included in the starting lineup as the Team of the Matchday recognizes defensive stabilization as Seattle’s form steadied.

New England Revolution’s match added another clear playoff-chase implication. MLS reports that New England downed Chicago Fire FC 1-0 to create a gap between the two playoff-bound sides. The league attributes the shutout to six saves by USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is named among the Team of the Matchday starters as the final selection in the lineup described by MLS.

Along with the stated match highlights, MLS also lists the Team of the Matchday staff and bench. The coach is Laurent Courtois (CLB), while the bench includes Patrick Schulte (CLB), Josh Wynder (NE), Noel Caliskan (RSL), Jonathan Osorio (TOR), Leo Walta (LAFC), Aziel Jackson (MIN), Yadaly Diaby (VAN), Germán Berterame (MIA) and Luis Suárez (MIA). The starters named by MLS are Matt Turner (NE), Neil Pierre (PHI), Yéimar Gómez Andrade (SEA), Harbor Miller (LA), Morgan Guilavogui (RSL), Héctor Herrera (HOU), Martín Ojeda (ORL), Lionel Messi (MIA), Idan Toklomati (CLT), Gonzalo Tapia (CLB) and Antoine Griezmann (ORL).