Competing against Lionel Messi has been a significant learning experience for Lucas Herrington. His impressive performances for the Colorado Rapids have put him in contention for a spot on the Socceroos roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Since transferring from the A-League Men with Brisbane Roar in January 2026, the 18-year-old central defender has started every match, often finding himself facing off against some of the sport’s biggest stars.
“I had a stretch of three games against Messi, then Son Heung-Min, and then Thomas Müller … I’ve really enjoyed it here,” Herrington shared with ESPN.
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He specifically highlighted his matchup with Messi during Colorado’s 30th-anniversary game against Inter Miami CF as a key part of his development. The Rapids fought hard in front of an audience of over 75,000 but ultimately fell short, with Messi netting two goals, including the game-winner.
“We lost 3-2 due to a typical Messi strike, which was difficult,” Herrington said. “I take some responsibility for it, which has been a tremendous learning experience as I’ve rewatched it numerous times. But it was special. He’s one of the greatest to ever play the game.”
Going up against Bayern Munich legend Müller was another memorable occasion.
“He’s an incredible player, and since my mom is German, I was cheering for him during the 2014 World Cup when Germany triumphed,” Herrington remarked.
Having lived his entire life in Brisbane, Herrington admitted that moving abroad alone at 18 posed challenges at first.
“It was challenging — I had to manage everything by myself, including cooking, cleaning, and taking care of myself. But I’ve enjoyed the journey,” he explained.
His defensive partner at Colorado, Rob Holding, who has made 98 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League, has been a vital mentor for him.
“He greatly assists with his positioning, communication, and guidance, and has been a fantastic player to partner with,” Herrington noted.
Herrington’s growth has paralleled a historic season for Colorado, which has reached the U.S. Open Cup semifinals for the first time since 1999. The team’s last significant trophy was the MLS Cup, which they captured in 2010.
“Of course, we want to win trophies … it’s a huge opportunity for this group,” he stated.
Despite his youth, Herrington expressed that he does not experience nerves in high-pressure situations.
“I believe it’s all about trusting the process and believing in the team,” he explained. “I prepare diligently for these matches, so I just have to have faith in the strategies our coaches have laid out for us.”
His composure under pressure shone through when he helped the Socceroos secure a clean sheet on his international debut against Cameroon in March, where he started in a 1-0 victory.
“Cameroon is a strong team, so achieving a clean sheet and winning was truly incredible,” Herrington stated.
Currently, Herrington is in Florida, training with Australia’s extended squad ahead of the World Cup and vying for a place on the Socceroos’ 26-man roster, which will be announced on June 1.
“It’s a competitive group, and there are several exceptional defenders,” he remarked. “We’ll see what happens. Ultimately, it’s in the manager’s hands.”