When the conversation turns to World Cup preparation, most fans look to Europe's elite leagues for answers. But a compelling story is unfolding right here in Major League Soccer — and Colorado Rapids' own Herrington is at the center of it.
According to ESPN, Herrington is being primed for World Cup consideration, with his time in MLS and exposure to Inter Miami's Lionel Messi playing significant roles in shaping him into a player ready for the biggest stage in soccer.
It's a narrative that should resonate deeply with American soccer fans. For years, skeptics have questioned whether MLS can truly develop and prepare players for international competition at the highest level. Herrington's rise offers a powerful counter-argument — and arrives at exactly the right moment, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Messi factor is hard to ignore. Since the Argentine legend's arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, the overall quality and intensity of MLS has been elevated week in and week out. Defenders, midfielders, and attackers across the league have been tested in ways they simply weren't before. Facing a player of Messi's caliber — even in regular-season MLS action — has become a genuine proving ground for players eyeing international call-ups.
For Herrington specifically, competing in that environment appears to have accelerated his development and sharpened his game in ways that have caught the attention of national team scouts and analysts alike.
This matters enormously in the broader context of American soccer. With the World Cup coming home in 2026, the USMNT and its pool of eligible players are under a microscope. Every MLS player who proves they belong on the world stage adds depth and credibility to what is increasingly a legitimate domestic soccer ecosystem.
Colorado, a club with a proud MLS history, now has a player generating real buzz on the international radar. That's not just good news for Rapids supporters — it's a boost for the entire league's reputation heading into one of the most important periods in U.S. soccer history.
The message is becoming harder to dismiss: MLS is not just a retirement destination. It's a league where players are being forged, tested, and readied for the world's biggest moments. Herrington's story is proof of that, and with 2026 fast approaching, don't expect it to be the last one.