Lucas Herrington has been putting in performances for the Colorado Rapids that have placed him firmly in the conversation for a FIFA World Cup call-up with the Australian national team, the Socceroos — and his run of MLS fixtures has included one of football's greatest tests: lining up against Lionel Messi.

The goalkeeper's showings in MLS have caught the attention of Australia selectors, with Herrington emerging as a genuine contender for a place in the squad ahead of the tournament. Competing against the best in the league — including Messi — has sharpened Herrington's game and accelerated his development at the top level.

Facing Messi has been a defining part of that journey. Few challenges in club football match the demand of keeping out an opponent of that calibre, and Herrington's ability to hold his own in such encounters has underlined his credentials as a goalkeeper ready for the international stage.

His consistency for Colorado Rapids has provided a compelling case for selection, with the Socceroos set to participate in the FIFA World Cup. The combination of regular MLS minutes and high-profile matchups has given Herrington the experience and exposure needed to push for a starting berth at national team level.