Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football’s history books — this time, on American soil. The Inter Miami captain claimed the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after a breathtaking hat trick against Nashville SC on the final day of the regular season, bringing his total to 29 goals in 28 appearances.
Messi’s final-day heroics pushed him past LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both finished with 24 goals each. His latest achievement marks yet another milestone in an already glittering career, cementing his dominance in the MLS after just two seasons. The Argentine’s tally now stands as the third-highest single-season goal total in league history — behind Carlos Vela’s 34 goals in 2019 and Josef Martínez’s 31 in 2018.
Beyond his goal tally, Messi’s playmaking brilliance shone just as brightly. He recorded 19 assists, tying San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer for the league lead. This makes Messi only the second player in MLS history to achieve the “goal-assist double,” after Sebastian Giovinco accomplished the feat in 2015.
Messi Breaking Records, Setting Standards
Messi’s 2025 MLS season was defined by consistency, creativity, and unmatched finishing. His 48 total goal contributions (29 goals and 19 assists) came in just 28 games, narrowly missing the all-time single-season record of 49 set by Vela in 2019.
This achievement adds another feather to Messi’s cap of domestic dominance. Before his MLS stint, the Argentine had already won eight La Liga Golden Boots during his time with Barcelona — a record that underlines his unparalleled longevity and scoring prowess. His final five-year run in Spain, from 2016 to 2021, remains one of football’s most prolific goal-scoring streaks.
Messi’s form this season was fueled by a historic run of five consecutive multi-goal games, a league record, highlighting his consistency and leadership for Inter Miami. His performance carried the club through key fixtures, even while balancing participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
The Competition and the Chase
While Messi celebrated a personal triumph, several rivals had seasons worth noting. Denis Bouanga, LAFC’s star forward and 2023 Golden Boot winner, finished with 24 goals, reaffirming his place as one of the league’s elite. Bouanga also surpassed Carlos Vela as LAFC’s all-time top scorer, showcasing his own remarkable consistency.
Sam Surridge of Nashville SC enjoyed an impressive campaign as well, contributing heavily to his team’s U.S. Open Cup victory, where he was the top scorer with six goals. Despite finishing behind Messi in the league scoring race, Surridge’s performances were instrumental in Nashville’s strong season across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Christian Benteke, the 2024 Golden Boot holder, endured a quieter campaign with D.C. United, managing just nine goals. The decline in output contrasted sharply with Messi’s relentless form, underscoring the Argentine’s continued supremacy even as he approaches the twilight of his career.
MVP Race: Another Record in Sight?
Messi’s statistical brilliance makes him the front-runner for the 2025 MLS MVP award, setting him up for another potential milestone — becoming the first player in league history to win back-to-back MVP titles. Only Preki has won two MVP awards before (1997 and 2003), but never consecutively.
His closest challenger is Anders Dreyer, whose breakout season with expansion side San Diego FC yielded 19 goals and 19 assists. Dreyer’s late-season surge, including a two-goal, one-assist display against Portland, positioned him as a strong contender, but Messi’s influence and consistency across the season appear unmatched.
If awarded the MVP, Messi would further solidify his place as the league’s greatest import and its defining figure — both on and off the pitch. His performances have elevated the profile of MLS globally, inspiring new fans and setting higher standards for excellence within the competition.
What Comes Next: Playoffs and Legacy
As the regular season closes, Messi’s Inter Miami now turn their focus to the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will once again face Nashville SC in a best-of-three first-round showdown. Given Messi’s five goals against Nashville this season, B.J. Callaghan’s side will enter the series wary of the Argentine’s form.
Messi’s mission is clear: to translate his regular-season brilliance into postseason glory. Having already conquered domestic scoring charts and dazzled fans with moments of genius, he now seeks to guide Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title.
For the man who has won every major honor in football — from the World Cup to Champions League trophies — the MLS Golden Boot is yet another testament to his enduring greatness. Even in his late 30s, Lionel Messi continues not just to compete, but to redefine what greatness looks like.
