Bouanga Messi and Surridge Set for Thrilling Showdown in MLS Golden Boot Race on Decision Day

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Bouanga Messi and Surridge Set for Thrilling Showdown in MLS Golden Boot Race on Decision Day

The 2025 MLS Golden Boot competition is reaching an exciting climax on Decision Day. This final matchday promises an intense showdown among three top contenders: Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, and Sam Surridge.

Golden Boot Contenders

As the season nears its end, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi leads the scoring race with 26 goals. His recent performance included two goals in a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United, despite only recently returning from international duty with Argentina.

LAFC’s Denis Bouanga follows closely with 24 goals. Bouanga recently expressed his desire to win the Golden Boot for his family and hopes to secure it in the decisive match against Colorado Rapids. Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge remains in the competition with 23 goals but faces a tough challenge requiring a hat trick to claim the title.

Gameplay and Partnerships

  • Messi has shown remarkable consistency, achieving nine multi-goal games this season, setting an MLS record.
  • Bouanga has formed an effective attacking partnership with Son Heung-min, who joined LAFC for a record transfer fee.
  • Surridge’s performance at GEODIS Park will be crucial, as he aims to enhance his goal tally against Messi’s formidable Inter Miami side.

Bouanga’s journey this season has been impressive, especially after overcoming a slow start. He scored 20 goals last year to clinch the Golden Boot, and this season, he seeks to become just the sixth player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot twice.

Playoff Aspirations

While individual honors are at stake, all three players remain focused on their teams’ success in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Their respective squads, Inter Miami, LAFC, and Nashville SC, are gearing up for a best-of-three series post-Decision Day.

Messi’s current tally of 44 goal contributions places him just five away from matching Carlos Vela’s all-time MLS record of 49, set in 2019. Bouanga aims to leverage a vulnerable Colorado defense, while Surridge looks to shine against Messi’s squad.

With the season winding down, Decision Day is set to thrill fans as Bouanga, Messi, and Surridge vie for the prestigious Golden Boot and their teams push to secure playoff positions.