TThe 2025 season at Inter Miami was a good one for Messi. The Argentine forward, who has scored 29 goals in 28 games and is also an MLS Cup winner, wants to prove that he is still as good as ever and continue to break records.
Messi hopes to win the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 and repeat that feat in 2026, the World Cup year, to continue dominating U.S. soccer.
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Despite Messi’s hopes, winning the Golden Boot will not be so easy as there are great players in MLS and the competition will be even more intense.
Players who can steal the Golden Boot from Messi in MLS
MLS is known for bringing in world-class players, and while Messi has dominated the league so far, there is a top group of players who could spoil the party for the Argentine and join forces with the Inter Miami star to compete for the Golden Boot.
Son Heung-min (LAFC): The Korean made an immediate impact after leaving Tottenham. The 33-year-old proved his worth in the 2025 playoffs, scoring nine goals in his first 10 games and becoming a top scorer candidate. Dennis Bouanga (LAFC): The 2023 Golden Boot winner has maintained an enviable consistency, scoring over 20 goals in each of the past three seasons. Anders Dreyer (San Diego): Denmark’s great revelation 2025. With 19 goals and 17 assists, Dreyer was a driving force in leading San Diego to the top of the Western Conference, proving to be a threat in both finishing and assisting.
2026 full of Messi and big challenges
2026 will be a big year for Lionel Messi and the Argentine knows he has to live up to all expectations. The new MLS season has begun and the forward is aiming to win back-to-back titles with Inter Miami, but he also has his national team in mind.
In addition to his challenges at club level, Messi is also preparing to play in his last World Cup and aim to win it again in 2022.
Despite his age, Messi is in good shape and continues to score goals, so 2026 is expected to be a great year for him and he will be able to continue improving his record.
