Matchday 31: Messi's MVP form, Texas Derby & Hell is Real!

The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs race continues this weekend with three marquee matchups during Matchday 31.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF visit Atlanta United for Walmart Saturday Showdown. Additionally, Houston Dynamo FC host FC Dallas for the Texas Derby and FC Cincinnati welcome Columbus Crew for Hell is Real.

Here's what to watch as the regular season enters the home stretch.

• WHEN: Saturday, 7:30 pm ET
• WATCH: Apple TV

Inter Miami booked a playoff spot midweek, and now the defending MLS Cup presented by Audi champions can strengthen their hold on the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed.

The Herons, who hope to become the first back-to-back MLS Cup winners since the 2011-12 LA Galaxy, have momentum on their side following two straight wins over D.C. United and New York City FC by a combined 6-0 scoreline.

Lionel Messi remains elite as ever and is the odds-on favorite to secure a historic Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat. He leads the Golden Boot presented by Audi race with a league-best 37 goal contributions (23g/14a), captaining a star-studded squad that also includes Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro.

An upset victory would do wonders for Atlanta's playoff hopes. They're six points below the East's final Wild Card spot with five games left, offering hope to head coach Tata Martino's side.

Despite their struggles in 2026, Atlanta have proven they can frustrate Miami. Just as they did in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over CF Montréal, star Designated Players Miguel Almirón and Breel Embolo scored when the Five Stripes held Miami to a 2-2 road draw in early September.

What will the Walmart Saturday Showdown stage deliver?

• WHEN: Saturday, 8:30 pm ET
• WATCH: Apple TV

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

First, the rivalry: Saturday's winner claims El Capitán, the trophy awarded annually to the season series victor. Dallas have the edge after winning a wild 4-3 match vs. Houston earlier this year.

Second, the playoff implications: Both clubs are Western Conference contenders, and only four points separate Dallas (third place) and Houston (fifth place) in the table. This one is a true "six-pointer," and against a bitter rival no less.

Houston will lean on Guilherme, their Brazilian forward who's an MLS Newcomer of the Year contender. He's contributed 16g/9a since arriving from Santos FC during the winter.

Dallas are led by Petar Musa, whose 19 goals are second in the Golden Boot race. The Croatian international featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer and scored an emotional goal against England.

• WHEN: Sunday, 5 pm PT
• WATCH: Apple TV

One of MLS's fiercest rivalries takes center stage as Cincinnati host Columbus for another edition of Hell is Real.

The stakes are particularly high for Cincinnati, who enter Matchday 31 holding the Eastern Conference's ninth and final playoff spot. Columbus, meanwhile, have endured a difficult campaign that leaves them four points below Cincinnati, though they'll relish an opportunity to close the gap while complicating their rivals' playoff push.

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

Columbus have experienced turbulence of their own, including a midseason coaching change that saw Laurent Courtois take over on an interim basis. They then became busy during the summer transfer window, with Designated Players Brais Méndez and Santiago Rodríguez the main newcomers.

Can Cincinnati strengthen their playoff hopes, or will Columbus play spoiler in another blockbuster edition of Hell is Real?