Lionel Messi Wins MLS Golden Boot in Record-Breaking Season
MIAMI — October 19, 2025 — Lionel Messi has officially claimed the MLS Golden Boot for the 2025 season, capping off a spectacular individual campaign that saw the Inter Miami superstar score 29 goals and register 19 assists — a staggering 48 goal contributions, the second-highest total in Major League Soccer history.
Messi’s crowning moment came on Decision Day, the final matchday of the regular season, where the Argentine talisman netted a hat trick in a 5–2 home win over Nashville SC. The performance sealed his place at the top of the goal-scoring chart and added another historic milestone to the 36-year-old’s glittering career.
Second Only to Carlos Vela in MLS History
The only player to produce a better individual attacking season in MLS remains Carlos Vela, whose 2019 campaign with LAFC ended with 34 goals and 15 assists, totaling 49 goal contributions — one more than Messi’s 2025 mark. That LAFC squad was also the last to surpass 80 goals in a season, a feat now matched by Inter Miami, thanks largely to Messi’s prolific form.
While team records were broken, Messi’s focus turned personal toward the season’s end. He returned early from international duty with Argentina to ensure he remained in the Golden Boot race. In Miami’s penultimate match against Atlanta United, he scored twice in a 4–0 win — a critical brace that gave him breathing room ahead of his final match.
He then rejoined Argentina for a friendly against Puerto Rico at Miami’s own Chase Stadium, underlining the intensity of his schedule and commitment on both club and national fronts.
Beating Bouanga and Setting New Milestones
Messi’s closest challenger was Denis Bouanga of LAFC, who ended the season with 24 goals. Bouanga missed two key games while on international duty with Gabon and failed to score in LAFC’s final fixture, clearing the way for Messi to claim the top scorer honor.
In addition to winning the Golden Boot, Messi set a new MLS record by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 regular-season goals, achieving the feat in just 53 appearances. That surpassed the previous mark set by Zlatan Ibrahimović, who did it in 54 games for the LA Galaxy.
Messi also recorded 10 multi-goal matches this season — another all-time record in MLS’s 30-year history. His ability to consistently deliver high-level performances week in and week out added unmatched value to Miami’s dynamic attack.
Miami’s Rise and Messi’s Impact
Messi’s impact on Inter Miami CF has been transformational. Since joining the club in 2023, the team has evolved from a mid-table project into one of the league’s most feared offenses. With stars like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets forming a familiar support network, Messi has flourished in pink and black.
Miami’s attacking style, heavily built around Messi’s creative and finishing instincts, not only broke records but also brought global attention to MLS. Ticket sales, global viewership, and fan engagement have all surged, driven by the superstar’s presence.
While the Golden Boot marks Messi’s first individual honor in MLS, it likely won’t be his last. With the postseason looming, Miami now enters the MLS Cup Playoffs with the league’s top scorer leading the line and a legitimate shot at the title.
What’s Next?
As the postseason approaches, all eyes will remain fixed on Lionel Messi. Can he convert his dominant regular-season form into playoff success and lead Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup? That’s the next chapter in a story that’s already shaping up as one of the most impactful stints by a player in North American soccer history.
