Messi’s hat trick all-but seals MLS Golden Boot

Lionel Messi has secured the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot after an electrifying hat trick for Inter Miami in their decisive 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on the final day of the regular season. The Argentine forward finished with an impressive tally of 29 goals and 19 assists in his second full season with the Florida-based club.

Messi’s trio of goals not only sealed the win but firmly established him as the league’s top scorer, surpassing Nashville striker Sam Surridge and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who each scored 24 goals. This achievement marks Messi as Inter Miami’s first-ever Golden Boot winner and the first Argentine to claim the award since Valentín Castellanos in 2021. With a total of 48 goal contributions this season, Messi narrowly missed breaking Carlos Vela’s MLS record of 49 set in 2019.

The signing of Messi significantly boosted Inter Miami’s attacking capabilities, showcasing his exceptional composure, technical precision, and prolific scoring ability. Known for his creativity, vision, and ability to perform under pressure, Messi has been central to Miami’s offensive strategy, helping them claim the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 with a record-breaking campaign. Miami enters the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and will face Nashville SC in an eagerly anticipated first-round best-of-three series.

This milestone victory in the Golden Boot race cements Messi’s status as the league’s premier forward and puts him on track to become the first player to win back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards. His continued excellence not only elevates Inter Miami’s ambitions on the domestic stage but also highlights his enduring influence on the growth and competitiveness of MLS as a whole. Messi’s shining campaign epitomizes the club’s investment in high-caliber talent, reinforcing their strategic pursuit of success both on and off the field.