Lionel Messi Gets Argentina National Team’s Special Help for MLS ‘Golden Boot’ Chase

Expectations were high for Inter Miami to defend their 2024 MLS Shield, but fans got a reality check as the 2025 regular season nears its end. The Herons have failed to clinch the league’s top spot, forcing them to rely on the upcoming playoffs in hopes of securing the Championship title. However, before that, there’s still a golden opportunity at least for their skipper and star, Lionel Messi, to achieve something special: the MLS Golden Boot. And from the looks of it, things have just gotten real, especially after learning that even his national team, Argentina, is lending him a helping hand in this pursuit.

Earlier this week, the 37-year-old forward took a leave of absence from Inter Miami in order to reunite with La Albiceleste for this month’s international window. While many thought he would feature against Venezuela on a rain-soaked Friday night, the skipper was instead spotted in casual attire watching his country edge past their fellow CONMEBOL rivals with a narrow 1-0 win from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium.

Many had already speculated that he would miss out on the game, considering the former FC Barcelona star was touted to be available for Inter Miami’s final home game against Atlanta United on Saturday. It was only for his team to turn this alleged talk into reality, as Lionel Messi has indeed been released from the Argentina national team camp to play for his MLS team tomorrow. At least, a report from Bolavip Argentina says so.

This only means that his return will not only give Inter Miami a much-needed boost to try securing the crucial three points, but also give a chance to Messi himself to solidify his chance of winning the Golden Boot. At least renowned MLS analyst Taylor Twellmenn would relate, who retweeted this news on his X profile with a caption saying, “The Audi MLS Golden Boot chase just got very interesting.”

To be fair, it is interesting. Lionel Messi is currently tied with LAFC striker Denise Bouanga with a tally of 24 goals. Trailing behind them with just one strike is Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who is also vying for the prestigious individual accolade. But the race is majorly between Messi and Bouanga, considering both have two games in hand, with Miami also bound to face Nashville in an away clash after their Atlanta fixture, and LAFC facing Austin on Sunday, before locking horns against Colorado.