The Podium: Best from the Round of 32

Round of 32 is in the books.

🥉Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)

It’s been a tournament to remember for Bongi, who has found his finest form stateside during Leagues Cup. A force on both ends of the pitch, Bongi has been putting in industrious shifts that have been a significant factor in the team’s progression.

Against a high-flying attack like the Columbus Crew, Minnesota needed one of those stellar Bongi performances, and lucky for them, it’s what they got.

Hlongwane scored twice as Minnesota drew 3-3 with Columbus leading to a penalty shootout. Bongi would convert his kick en route to a Minnesota victory.

Bongi has a brace in each of the three games he’s played so far in Leagues Cup, totaling six goals and an assist. Putting head to head with a certain GOAT for Golden Ball honors.

🥈Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Once again, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner returns to the Podium. The Argentine finished with two goals as Inter Miami defeated Orlando City in a contentious tie.

Messi started the scoring early, running onto this immaculate Robert Taylor pass to go up 1-0.

On his second goal, defenders left Messi to press Josef Martínez in the box. A genius move if you want Messi to score. Martínez immediately found an open Messi, who slotted the ball home for the dagger, 3-1.

🥇Denis Bouagna (LAFC)

Bouagna, an MVP contender, flashed the skills that are putting him in award contention. The Gambian striker led a 7-1 thrashing of FC Juarez, scoring a hat trick in the process.

Entering the 48th minute, it seemed the game had taken a competitive turn. Amaury Escoto scored to cut LAFC’s lead to 2-1. Clearly, this didn’t sit well with Bouagna.

The next 30 minutes would be all about Bouagna, who scored in the 52nd, 66th, and 78th minute as LAFC opened the floodgates.

To put the cherry on top of a brilliant performance, Bouagna would assist Nathan Ordaz in the 90th minute to make it 7-1.