Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has dazzled the MLS, and 2025 could mark his most iconic season yet. Despite early inconsistencies and missing the Concacaf Champions Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has rediscovered his brilliance, breaking records in just 15 MLS games this season.
Messi has surpassed Gonzalo Higuaín as Inter Miami’s all-time leader in goals (54) and goal contributions (79, with 25 assists) across 65 appearances in all competitions. He became the first MLS player to score twice in four consecutive games and the first to score at the FIFA Club World Cup with a free-kick against FC Porto. He also holds league records for most assists (five) and goal contributions (six) in a single game.
Chasing MLS History
With 14 goals and seven assists in 15 games, Messi is a contender to defend his MLS MVP title and challenge the league’s single-season goalscoring record. However, he trails Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge by two goals in the 2025 Golden Boot race, with a crucial matchup against Surridge’s team on Saturday.
To break Carlos Vela’s MLS record of 34 goals in a single season (set in 2019 with LAFC), Messi needs 21 more goals in Miami’s remaining 16 regular-season games—an average of 1.2 goals per game. While a slow start and managed minutes (missing three games) have made the record a stretch, his current form suggests it’s within reach. Josef Martínez (31 goals, Atlanta United, 2018) and Zlatan Ibrahimović (30 goals, LA Galaxy, 2019) round out the top three single-season scorers.
Single-Season MLS Goalscoring Records
| Player | Goals | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Vela | 34 | 2019 |
| Josef Martínez | 31 | 2018 |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | 30 | 2019 |
| Bradley Wright-Phillips | 27 | 2014 |
| Chris Wondolowski | 27 | 2012 |
Can Messi Claim the 2025 Golden Boot?
Messi won the MLS MVP in 2024 but missed the Golden Boot, finishing with 20 goals while Christian Benteke led with 23 for D.C. United. Healthier and more consistent in 2025, Messi’s multi-goal games have him just two goals behind Surridge. A hat-trick against Nashville could propel him to the lead.
While Vela’s record may be a long shot, securing both the Golden Boot and MVP—as Vela did in 2019—is achievable. Messi’s unmatched pedigree and current trajectory make him a formidable contender.
2025 MLS Golden Boot Leaders
| Player | Goals | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Surridge | 16 | Nashville SC |
| Lionel Messi | 14 | Inter Miami |
| Tai Baribo | 13 | Philadelphia Union |
| Evander | 12 | FC Cincinnati |
| Dejan Joveljić | 12 | Sporting Kansas City |