MLS Power Rankings Week 9: Messi, Inter Miami back on top

The MLS season is starting to heat up as both conferences begin to take shape, with the contenders rising to the top.

Take a look at the season’s current power rankings after the weekend's games.

1. Inter Miami

W5 D3 L2, 1st Eastern Conference

Inter Miami did have a wobble when Lionel Messi was injured earlier in the season, but since his return the Herons have been impressive again.

They are the top scorers in the league with 22 from their 10 games and while their defending can leave a bit to be desired, their attacking talents tend to make up for it.

Potential rule changes are on the horizon that could allow Gerardo Martino's side to invest even more in their roster, a scary prospect for their rivals.

2. LA Galaxy

W5 D3 L1, 1st Western Conference

Another team who prioritise attacking over defending is LA Galaxy, who recorded another entertaining success this weekend with a 4-3 victory over San Jose, despite being reduced to 10 men.

A loss to city rivals LAFC has been the only blemish on their record and they have won four of their last five games.

With midfield maestro Riqui Puig pulling the strings and Joseph Paintsil creating chaos on the wing, the Galaxy look like putting last season's poor performances firmly behind them.

3. New York Red Bulls

W4 D4 L1, 3rd Eastern Conference

Back-to-back stalemates have taken the shine off New York Red Bulls' start to the season somewhat but they have still been one of the standouts in the East.

They have one of the best defensive records in the league and Lewis Morgan's six goals are tied for third in the league while Dante Vanzeir's six assists lead MLS.

4. Columbus Crew

W3 D5 L1, 4th Eastern Conference

A busy fixture list, thanks mainly to them reaching the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, means that Columbus Crew have looked to be stretched a little thin in their last two games, both draws.

However, they have only suffered one defeat from nine games and the defending MLS Cup champions have made a good start as they look to retain their crown.

5. Philadelphia Union

W3 D4, 6th Eastern Conference

The only unbeaten team left in the MLS, Philadelphia Union have impressed in the early part of the season.

A 2-2 stalemate on the road to Atlanta United is a solid result and they have three home games in their next four as they look to climb the table.

6. Vancouver Whitecaps

W5 D1 L2, 2nd Western Conference

Vancouver bounced back from a defeat to LA Galaxy with a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders this weekend and while they did benefit from Seattle being reduced to 10 men, Ryan Gauld and Co. never looked in trouble.

7. Real Salt Lake

W4 D3 L2, 2nd Western Conference

Cristian Arango has been the standout performer in the MLS this season, leading the league in goals with six.

His two goals helped his team to a 4-0 win over Chicago at the weekend and they are on the up.

8. FC Cincinnati

W4 D3 L2, 3rd Eastern Conference

A 2-1 road win over Atlanta United was a good result this weekend for FC Cincinnati, who snapped a two-game losing streak in the process.

9. Colorado Rapids

W4 D3 L2, 4th Western Conference

Colorado have snuck under the radar after a dismal campaign last year, but they have now picked up three wins and a 2-2 road draw with Inter Miami in their last four games.

10. Los Angeles FC

W3 D3 L3, 7th Western Conference

LAFC have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the West this year, with their nine games producing 29 goals.

A late Denis Bouanga equaliser rescued a draw against the New York Red Bulls this weekend.

11. Minnesota United

W4 D2 L2, 5th Western Conference

A 3-0 road win over Charlotte has put Minnesota back on the up before a tricky run of fixtures.

12. Houston Dynamo

W4 D2 L2, 6th Western Conference

Houston still have the best defensive record in the West, despite losing 1-0 to Austin at the weekend.

13. Toronto FC

W4 D1 L4, 5th Eastern Conference

A home win over New England was much needed for Toronto, who had lost three in a row before that.

14. Atlanta United

W3 D2 L3, 7th Eastern Conference

A home defeat to Cincinnati this weekend was not ideal but Atlanta United still look like a team that could put it all together soon, led by Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis.

15. New York City FC

W3 D2 L4, 8th Eastern Conference

Back-to-back wins have been a major boost for New York City, who had a rocky start to the season.

16. St Louis City
17. Austin FC
18. Charlotte FC
19. Sporting Kansas City
20. CF Montreal
21. Portland Timbers
22. D.C. United
23. Seattle Sounders
24. Orlando City
25. Chicago Fire
26. Nashville SC
27. FC Dallas
28. New England Revolution
29. San Jose Earthquakes