A number of Liga MX and MLS players played key roles in their clubs keeping their World Cup dreams alive. Leagues Cup tickets are currently available at www.leaguescup.com/tickets/or fans can visit their local club websites for more details.
The Round of 32 has officially come and gone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and with it came everything fans have come to expect from the world's biggest sporting event—dramatic finishes, historic victories, standout individual performances and unforgettable moments.
Once again, Leagues Cup players were at the heart of the action.
From Lionel Messi continuing his historic run with Argentina to Mexico ending a 40-year knockout-stage drought, while the United States and Colombia advanced behind outstanding defensive performances, MLS and Liga MX stars continued to leave their mark on the biggest stage in world soccer.
Here are five Leagues Cup standouts from an unforgettable Round of 32.
LIONEL MESSI (Argentina / Inter Miami)
As the World Cup enters its biggest moments, Lionel Messi continues to deliver on the biggest stage.
The Inter Miami captain once again proved why he remains one of the greatest players in soccer history, scoring his tournament-leading seventh goal as Argentina survived a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde to reach the Round of 16. Messi also played a decisive role in Argentina's extra-time winner, delivering the corner kick that led to the match-winning goal.
The performance came just days after Messi celebrated his 39th birthday during the tournament, yet the Argentine captain continues to perform at an extraordinary level while leading the defending world champions in pursuit of back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. Through four matches, he remains the tournament's leading scorer (7) and one of the favorites to capture the Golden Ball.
Next up is another intriguing challenge against Egypt, as Messi looks to continue one of the greatest individual World Cup tournaments of his legendary career.
ROBERTO ALVARADO (Mexico / Chivas)
Mexico's historic victory over Ecuador featured another outstanding performance from Roberto Alvarado.
The Chivas winger recorded an assist in El Tri's 2-0 victory, helping Mexico earn its first World Cup knockout-stage win since 1986. Fittingly, Mexico's last victory in the elimination rounds also came by a 2-0 scoreline against Bulgaria during the 1986 World Cup—and at the very same Estadio Banorte.
Throughout the tournament, Alvarado has quietly become one of Javier Aguirre's most consistent and influential players. His creativity, relentless work rate and ability to create opportunities have made him one of Mexico's biggest surprises throughout the competition.
His next test couldn't be much bigger. Mexico now prepares for a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against England at Estadio Banorte, one of the most anticipated matches of the knockout stage.
RAÚL RANGEL (Mexico / Chivas)
While Mexico's attack has deservedly received plenty of attention, Raúl Rangel has quietly established himself as one of the tournament's top goalkeepers.
The Chivas goalkeeper registered another clean sheet against Ecuador as Mexico continued one of the strongest defensive runs of any team remaining in the World Cup as they have yet to allow a goal. Calm under pressure and commanding inside his penalty area, Rangel has consistently delivered in the biggest moments while helping anchor one of the tournament's stingiest defenses.
His confidence will be tested again against England, whose talented attacking group presents Mexico with arguably its toughest challenge yet. If El Tri hopes to continue its historic run, another standout performance from Rangel could be the difference.
TIM REAM & MATT FREESE (United States / Charlotte & New York City)
The United States booked its place in the Round of 16 thanks to another disciplined defensive performance led by MLS veterans Tim Ream and Matt Freese.
After Folarin Balogun's red card forced the Americans to play the final half hour with 10 men, captain Tim Ream organized the back line with the leadership and composure that have defined his international career. Behind him, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded another clean sheet, making timely interventions whenever Bosnia and Herzegovina threatened to get back into the match.
Now comes another opportunity for redemption. The United States will meet Belgium in a rematch of their memorable 2014 World Cup Round of 16 meeting, this time without suspended leading scorer Balogun. That means Ream's leadership and Freese's shot-stopping ability will once again be essential if the Americans hope to keep their World Cup dream alive.
CAMILO VARGAS (Colombia / Atlas)
Camilo Vargas continues to prove why he has long been regarded as one of Liga MX's premier goalkeepers.
The Atlas veteran recorded his third clean sheet in four World Cup starts as Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 to advance to the Round of 16. Vargas once again provided a calming presence behind Colombia's defense, helping his country secure another disciplined performance in a tightly contested knockout match.
Colombia has quietly developed into one of the tournament's strongest defensive teams, and Vargas has been at the center of that success. His leadership, experience and consistency have helped Colombia navigate every challenge so far while giving the team confidence heading into the knockout rounds.
A Round of 16 meeting against Switzerland now awaits, where Vargas will once again be counted on to anchor Colombia's defense as Los Cafeteros continue their pursuit of a historic World Cup run.
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