Messi claims first MLS Golden Boot for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro who led his nation to World Cup glory in 2022, has capped off a stellar Major League Soccer (MLS) season by securing his first MLS Golden Boot, finishing with 29 goals for Inter Miami. The record-breaking campaign cements his place among the league’s most prolific scorers.

Messi outshone Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who each netted 24 goals, to claim the Golden Boot, having narrowly missed out last year to Christian Benteke by three goals, according to Goal.com. His tally of 29 goals also makes him the first Inter Miami player to ever win the award and only the second Argentine, after Valentin “Taty” Castellanos of New York City FC in 2021, to achieve the feat.

The 36-year-old superstar not only dazzled with volume but also efficiency. His 1.03 goals per game ranks behind only Carlos Vela’s 2019 season, while his 28 non-penalty goals set a new MLS record, surpassing the previous mark by three. Messi scored his first hat-trick of the season on Decision Day and became the first MLS player with ten multi-goal matches, breaking the previous league record of eight shared by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Messi’s remarkable 48 goal contributions, including 19 assists, rank second in MLS history, trailing only Vela’s 2019 season (34 goals, 15 assists). He also joins Sebastian Giovinco (2015) as the only players to simultaneously lead the league in goals and assists, highlighting his all-round offensive dominance.

Since joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has transformed the club and the MLS landscape. His 29-goal haul is the tenth 20+ goal season of his legendary career, with his highest-ever 50-goal campaign coming for Barcelona in 2011-12. Analysts note that Messi’s presence in MLS has brought unprecedented attention to the league, boosting its global profile while inspiring a new generation of players in the United States.

“This season has been incredible, and I am proud to achieve this milestone with Inter Miami,” Messi said in a statement, reflecting on his Golden Boot triumph and record-setting campaign.