Sports Illustrated published its MLS power rankings after Matchday 31, with Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps surging. Both teams won.
Inter Miami's surge
Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1. Lionel Messi scored a brace in the 3-1 win, taking his total to 25 goals.
Messi became the first player in MLS history to record three straight 15-assist seasons. The players around Messi have improved under new manager Kily González.
Whitecaps return to winning ways
The Vancouver Whitecaps beat Austin FC 2-1, with Yadaly Diaby scoring the strike that secured the win. St. Louis lost 3-2 to Minnesota United, and Vancouver extended its lead atop the Western Conference to four points.
Other note in the rankings
Thomas Müller has not played since Oct. 6.


