Messi, who turned 38 in June, remains an elite difference-maker for the Herons, reaching 12g/7a on the season as he challenges to become the first-ever Landon Donovan MLS MVP repeat winner. He became the third player in league history, and first since Thierry Henry in 2012, to notch at least 2g/1a in three consecutive league matches.

And Messi – the Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – is in the starting lineup for the match at Stade Saputo in Montreal.From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.