Week 1 of the MLS season delivered standout performances, including two particularly impressive displays: Jayden Nelson was the standout player of the weekend, contributing three assists and a goal to propel Vancouver Whitecaps to a dominant victory. Anders Dreyer also made history, scoring twice to become San Diego FC’s first-ever goal scorer.

Lionel Messi was in the starting lineup for Inter Miami’s MLS season opener against NYCFC Saturday night, 72 hours after scoring the lone goal in a Concacaf Champions Cup win at Sporting KC in frigid weather conditions. It was a balmy 68 degrees for the MLS game at Chase Stadium, much more comfortable for Messi and his teammates.