How Messi’s 9.5-rated masterclass reshaped MLS’s Team of the Week

The finishing touches on an epic Major League Soccer week came at Snapdragon Stadium, home of San Diego FC, who secured their second straight victory of the 2026 campaign. Mikey Varas’ side are among the 11 teams yet to taste defeat at the start of the season. Of those, Los Angeles FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, Minnesota United FC and LA Galaxy provide several of the names that complete our Latino Best XI.

Unlike last week, Inter Miami CF feature prominently in attack. Alongside Real Salt Lake, they are the only two clubs to earn their first win of the season, and both play leading roles in an ideal 3-3-4 setup.

A well-balanced selection

This early March Best XI strikes a harmonious balance, drawing from six clubs and five nationalities. In goal stands Rafael Cabral, the hero for Real Salt Lake as they extended their remarkable dominance over Seattle Sounders FC. The Sounders have not won away to Mastroeni’s side since November 2012 – a run now stretching to 17 games, with 14 home victories and three draws.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper produced nearly six saves and proved a constant thorn in the side of the Rave Green, whose only goal came from the ever-reliable Cristian Roldán. Cabral earned an 8.8 rating from Sofascore across 90 minutes, his gloves as firm as steel.

The back line is built on Colombian strength. Eddie Segura of LAFC and Jefferson Díaz of Minnesota United are joined by Uruguay’s Mathías Laborda, who assisted Müller. Segura’s rating was just two points shy of the mark posted by Stephen Eustáquio – scorer against Houston – and his defensive work proved decisive. Díaz was equally influential against FC Cincinnati, leading the back line with eight defensive contributions.

In midfield, Marky Delgado delivered victory for the Galaxy, and his goal and assist explain his inclusion in the XI. Meanwhile, Lucas and Manuel Sanabria shone in their respective outings against Charlotte FC and Seattle. The Galaxy midfielder opened the scoring, while the former Liga MX player provided the assist that allowed Real Salt Lake to strike first at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The dream attacking quartet

The headline act comes up front, where two from Inter Miami and two from the Galaxy form a dazzling front four. Telasco Segovia and Lionel Messi inspired The Herons’ comeback in style against Orlando City SC. After halftime, they seized control. The Venezuelan playmaker sharpened his delivery, setting up Mateo Silvetti and the Argentine superstar as Miami grabbed the lead and refused to let go.

Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner, led the charge with a brace and remained influential throughout – creating, combining and firing at will.

On the California side, João Klauss operated as a true No. 9, and his double underlined that role. Gabriel Pec, meanwhile, is in electric form. In just 83 minutes as a starter, he provided an assist and tormented Charlotte down the right flank, earning a 9.3 Sofascore rating – just two points shy of Messi’s 9.5.

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