**Stars Shine Bright in MLS Week 17: Messi and Others Dominate**

With the midpoint of the 2025 MLS season nearing, standout performances from several stars have secured their spots on the Matchday 17 Team of the Matchday, presented by Audi. Lionel Messi was a force to be reckoned with in a high-profile Eastern Conference game at Chase Stadium. The captain of Inter Miami CF delivered a masterful performance, scoring two goals and providing three assists in a 5-1 demolition of the Columbus Crew, masterminded by coach Javier Mascherano. Messi’s scintillating display makes him only the third player in MLS history to achieve 2 goals and 3 assists in a single match, and just the second to contribute to at least five goals more than once.

On the offensive front, numerous strikers made decisive impacts in their clubs' away victories. Tani Oluwaseyi's two-goal haul propelled Minnesota United FC to a thrilling 3-2 win over Seattle Sounders FC. Hugo Cuypers also netted twice for Chicago Fire FC, bringing his season total to ten goals and leading his team to a 3-1 triumph over Orlando City. Meanwhile, Dejan Joveljić's brace, highlighted by an acrobatic finish, along with goalkeeper John Pulskamp's eight saves, ensured Sporting Kansas City's 3-1 win against Houston Dynamo FC.

Elsewhere, St. Louis CITY SC started the post-Olof Mellberg era on a high note, with Eduard Löwen contributing a goal and an assist to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. D.C. United's Gabriel Pirani continued his hot streak with a goal and an assist in a close 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati.

Defenders played crucial roles too, exemplified by New England Revolution's comprehensive 3-0 win at CF Montréal. Peyton Miller and Ilay Feingold combined both defensively and offensively, each providing both a goal and an assist while ensuring a clean sheet. Feingold’s exceptional performance saw him become the third-youngest player in club history to register three goal contributions in a single match.

Finally, New York Red Bulls secured a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Alexander Hack's impressive line-breaking assist from his own half contributing to the win.

The halfway point of the season has showcased the remarkable talents and individual brilliance that shape the landscape of MLS, promising an exciting second half to the 2025 season.