When Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami CF found the net three times in a 5‑2 win over Nashville SC on October 18, 2025, the Argentine legend secured the MLS Golden Boot in front of a buzzing crowd at Geodis Park. The award, presented by German automaker Audi, capped a season in which Messi tallied 29 goals and 19 assists in just 28 matches.
Season‑long chase and the final showdown
The 2025 MLS regular season stretched from February 22 to the very night of the hat‑trick, with 30 clubs vying for the top‑scorer title that has been awarded annually since 2005. Heading into the final matchday, Messi sat on 26 goals, five ahead of his nearest challengers: Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles Football Club and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, both with 24.
Messi’s hat‑trick broke the deadlock. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, doubled his tally six minutes after halftime, and sealed the third later in the 78th. An assist in the 85th minute pushed his season total to 48 goal contributions – the second‑most ever in MLS history, trailing only Carlos Vela’s 49 set in 2019.
Record‑breaking numbers
Beyond the obvious goal tally, Messi rewrote the stat books in three ways:
- He posted a 1.036 goals‑per‑game average – the second‑best rate among Golden Boot winners since the trophy’s inception.
- His 28 non‑penalty goals set a new MLS single‑season record, edging out the previous mark by three.
- With 19 assists, he topped the league in playmaking, which served as the first tiebreaker under MLS rules.
Only three players have ever out‑scored Messi’s 29‑goal haul: Carlos Vela (34 in 2019), Josef Martínez (31 in 2018), and Zlatan Ibrahimović (30 in 2019). Yet Messi is the only one among them to capture both the MLS and European Golden Boots in a single career.
Event spotlight: the award ceremony
During the 2025 MLS Golden Boot presentationGeodis Park, a silver‑toned Audi SUV rolled onto the field as Messi stepped up to receive the trophy. The ceremony, broadcast live on ESPN and streamed worldwide, featured a short video recap of Messi’s 2025 season and a brief nod to his previous European accolades.
Reactions from the league and fans
MLS Commissioner David Bland praised the Argentine’s “unparalleled influence on the growth of soccer in North America.” In post‑match interviews, Messi remained characteristically modest, saying, “I’m just happy to help the team win and to give the fans something to celebrate.”
Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino highlighted the tactical freedom that allowed Messi to thrive: “He creates space for everyone else. The numbers are incredible, but the real story is how the whole squad lifted their game.”
Fans in Nashville and Miami took to social media, with hashtags #MessiBoot and #GoldenBoot2025 trending across Twitter and Instagram. Some commentators joked that Audi should rename the award the “Audi Boot” given the flashy car that escorted the trophy.
What’s next for Inter Miami and the league?
With the regular season wrapped, Inter Miami entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, boasting a 22‑5‑7 record and 73 points. Their first playoff matchup on October 26 pits them against the fifth‑seeded New York Red Bulls, a game that many pundits expect to be a showcase for Messi’s continued brilliance.
Beyond the postseason, MLS officials confirmed that the league will expand to 32 clubs for the 2026 season, adding two new franchises in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast. The influx of high‑profile talent like Messi is being touted as a catalyst for that growth.
Key facts
- Player: Lionel Messi – 29 goals, 19 assists
- Club: Inter Miami CF – Eastern Conference top seed
- Award: 2025 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi
- Date & venue: October 18, 2025, Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
- Margin: Finished five goals ahead of Denis Bouanga (LAFC) and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s Golden Boot impact Inter Miami’s playoff chances?
Messi’s 29 goals helped Inter Miami secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference, guaranteeing home‑field advantage for at least the first two playoff rounds. The boost in goal differential also means the team enters the knockout stage with confidence and a clear tactical edge.
What records did Messi break with his 2025 season?
He set a new MLS single‑season record for non‑penalty goals (28), posted the second‑highest goals‑per‑game average for a Golden Boot winner (1.036), and logged the second‑most total goal contributions (48) in league history, trailing only Carlos Vela’s 49 in 2019.
Why is the MLS Golden Boot significant for the league’s growth?
Having a global icon like Messi win the award draws worldwide media attention, boosts TV ratings, and encourages sponsors like Audi to invest heavily. The visibility helps attract more talent and accelerates MLS’s expansion plans to 32 clubs by 2026.
Which players were Messi’s closest rivals for the Golden Boot?
Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles Football Club and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC each finished the season with 24 goals. Bouanga needed six goals on the final day to overtake Messi, while Surridge’s one goal in the Nashville match left him five short.
Will Messi be eligible for the MLS MVP award?
Given his scoring record, assist total, and the impact on Inter Miami’s league‑leading performance, Messi is the frontrunner for the 2025 MLS Most Valuable Player award, which is slated for announcement by December 1, 2025.
October 19, 2025 AT 19:40
Messi pulling off a hat‑trick in Nashville? That's pure fireworks! The crowd at Geodis Park was buzzing like a beehive on steroids, and you could feel the electricity in the air. His third goal was a dagger that practically sang the anthem of Argentine pride. Inter Miami’s attack looked like a well‑orchestrated symphony, each pass a note leading to the crescendo. And let’s not forget the Audi SUV that glided onto the pitch – a subtle reminder that even football legends need a classy ride.