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Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.

GOAL looks at the biggest names in MLS to watch at the World Cup this summer, and the list expands far beyond the reigning MVP winner

Lionel Messi netted the 71st free-kick goal of his career as he inspired Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over New York City FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dragged his side level to 2-2 with a deflected set-piece that left USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese stranded between the sticks.

Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but it was a day for Inter Miami's defenders, as both of their center backs found the net in a back-and-forth 3-2 win over Eastern Conference leaders NYCFC. The Herons took the lead, but were never fully assured with it, and twice had to reclaim a slender advantage to return to South Florida with a hard-earned win - and move to third in the East.