MLS Power Rankings: Messi can't be stopped, Miami back on top

Inter Miami climbs to the top spot in the ESPN MLS Power Rankings after Lionel Messi scored both goals in a 2-1 win against Nashville SC. This marks Messi's fifth consecutive MLS game with a brace, setting a new league record. Miami is on a five-game winning streak and has three games in hand.

Philadelphia Union moves up to second place. They solidified their position at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings by easily defeating the eighth-place New York Red Bulls 2-0.

Nashville SC drops to third after their 15-game unbeaten run ended with the 2-1 loss to Inter Miami. While Messi's performance was key, a second-half gaffe by goalkeeper Joe Willis, passing directly to Messi, led to Miami's winning goal.

San Diego FC rises to fourth following a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire, powered by a brace from Anders Dreyer. Dreyer now leads the league in combined goals and assists (11 goals, 13 assists) and trails only Messi in goals and assists per 90 minutes, making him a strong MVP contender.

Columbus Crew jumps to fifth after a remarkable comeback in the Hell is Real derby against FC Cincinnati. Despite falling behind 2-0 within the first five minutes, goals from Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten leveled the score by halftime. The Crew then scored twice more in the second half to win 4-2.

FC Cincinnati falls to sixth after their derby collapse against Columbus. Despite scoring twice in the opening five minutes, they conceded four goals (including a Miles Robinson own goal) to lose 4-2. Despite the humbling loss, they remain third in the Supporters' Shield standings.