The 2025 MLS regular season is about to conclude and all eyes are on Lionel Messi, who could be crowned the top scorer of the tournament. The Argentine star, who has had an outstanding campaign with Inter Miami, has 24 goals and shares the lead in the scoring charts with Denis Bouanga, the Los Angeles FC striker
With just one game remaining, the world champion has one last chance to win the coveted Golden Boot in the US league.
Messi, Bouanga and Surridge: a three-way battle for the top scorer title
The battle for the top spot in the scoring charts is not exclusive to Messi and Bouanga. Englishman Sam Surridge, a Nashville SC forward, has also joined the fray with a goalscoring streak that has brought him dangerously close to the leaders. With the head-to-head clash between Inter Miami and Nashville SC on the final matchday, the duel could decide the new king of goals in MLS.
Messi misses penultimate match due to FIFA Date
Before the last matchday, Messi was called up by the Argentina national team to play international friendlies, which forced him to miss the match against Atlanta United. This absence prevented him from adding more goals in the final stretch, leaving everything in the hands of the last match against Nashville SC, where he will have to score and hope that Bouanga does not increase his tally against Colorado Rapids.
What does Messi need to win the Golden Boot?
To win the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, Messi must score at least one goal in the final game and hope that Bouanga does not score against Colorado. If both finish tied on goals, the tiebreaker will be the number of assists, where the Argentine also has good numbers. However, the competition is fierce and any goal could tip the balance.
A season finale with a record-breaking flavor
Beyond the Golden Boot, Messi is also close to breaking other individual records in MLS. His goals-per-game average surpasses that of Carlos Vela in his historic 2019 campaign, and he could become the player with the most games with a goal and assist in a single season. These personal achievements add to a campaign in which Inter Miami have secured their place in the Playoffs, albeit with ups and downs in collective performance.
Expectations for the final match against Nashville SC
The duel against Nashville SC will be key not only to define Inter Miami’s future in the postseason, but also for Messi to close the regular season with a memorable performance. Chase Stadium is preparing to welcome thousands of fans who hope to see the Argentine shine once again and, perhaps, be crowned as the top scorer of the 2025 MLS season.
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