Heading into MLS Decision Day on Saturday there is still a lot to play for.
There are guaranteed playoff spots up for grabs in both conferences, while the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC are battling it out to finish top of the West.
For Lionel Messi, there is also the chance to add one of the few individual accolades that he has not yet won. The Inter Miami captain was named MLS Most Valuable Player in 2024 but he fell just short of the Golden Boot, the award for the league’s top scorer. The 2024 MLS Golden Boot was won by Christian Benteke but Messi is in pole position to scoop the award this time around.
Heading into the final round of games Messi has 26 goals, two ahead of LAFC forward Denis Bouanga on 24. The only other candidate within striking distance is Sam Surridge with 23 goals. Surridge’s Nashville SC will be playing against Inter Miami on Saturday.
Messi surprised many by sitting out an Argentina friendly last week to play for Inter Miami against Atlanta United. Miami have little left to play for in the regular season but Messi opted to miss an Argentina game, boosting his Golden Boot credentials with two goals and an assist against lowly Atlanta.
If it comes down to it, Messi’s 18 assists could prove decisive in the race for the Golden Boot. If two players finish level on goals the tie-breaker will be the number of assists and Messi has at least ten more than either Bouanga or Surridge.