By Jaime Uribarri
Is Evander the best player in Major League Soccer not named Lionel Messi?
FC Cincinnati’s All-Star Brazilian playmaker has looked the part throughout his MLS career and further strengthened his case by joining Inter Miami CF’s GOAT in the league record books during Saturday’s 2-0 win at D.C. United.
Evander got things started at Audi Field with a stunning long-range golazo (also a Messi trademark) before setting up Tom Barlow’s result-sealing tally for his 15th assist of 2026.
In the process, he became only the second player in league history, alongside the legendary Argentine No. 10, to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
"That's Evander being Evander," head coach Pat Noonan quipped to reporters about the Brazilian's latest masterful display.
Guiding force
Thanks to Saturday’s win, their second in four days vs. D.C. United, Cincy (42 points) stayed firmly in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs mix by moving into seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Orange & Blue’s postseason chances hinge largely on Evander. The two-time Best XI and three-time All-Star midfielder has a team-best 29 goal contributions (14g/15a) and is one goal contribution shy of reaching at least 30 for the third straight season.
His spectacular 35th-minute opener also snapped a nearly two-month (seven games) goal-scoring drought.
"I knew I was gonna score again at some point. I've been pushing myself to be on the scoresheet," said Evander. "More than that, just trying to push the team to win the games.
"I think it came in a special moment: a goal and a win in an away game is really good."
Playoffs or bust
Evander and Cincinnati will hope for more special moments as they try to lock up a postseason berth over their final three regular-season games.
All three opponents are over the playoff line in the East — beginning with a visit to (you guessed it!) Messi and defending champions Inter Miami on Wednesday (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV).
"We understand the situation we're in right now," said Evander. "We cannot choose games anymore, we have to win. Whether playing at home or playing away, we can't lose points anymore."
HIGHLIGHTS: DC United vs. FC Cincinnati | October 24, 2026