Messi Leads Golden Boot and MVP Contenders Ahead of Inter Miami vs Nashville Showdown This Saturday
As the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season approaches its conclusion, Lionel Messi is at the forefront of attention. The Inter Miami forward eyes both the Golden Boot and MVP awards ahead of a crucial match against Nashville SC this Saturday.
Messi’s Impressive Stats Leading to Showdown
At 38 years old, Messi has already made an indelible mark in the league. He leads with 26 goals, the highest in MLS this season. This remarkable performance places him two goals ahead of Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC and three goals ahead of Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
- Goals: Messi (26), Bouanga (24), Surridge (23)
- Assists: Messi (18), Bouanga (8), Surridge (5)
- Minutes Played: Messi (2,330), Bouanga (2,569), Surridge (2,850)
Messi not only leads in goals but also shares the highest assists in MLS. This statistical edge positions him favorably for the MVP award, a title he seeks to reclaim for a second consecutive year.
Coaching Insights and Team Dynamics
Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, is optimistic about Messi’s prospects. He stated, “If we can help Leo to win the Golden Boot, it would be fantastic.” He emphasized Messi’s impactful presence on the field, noting it transcends mere statistics.
Other MVP contenders include Bouanga, Surridge, Andres Dreyer of San Diego, and Evander of Cincinnati. The competition is fierce, but Messi’s record speaks volumes.
Playoff Implications and Current Standings
Inter Miami currently holds the third spot in the Eastern Conference. A victory against Nashville could elevate them to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, contingent on Cincinnati’s performance against Montreal.
- Current Standing: Miami (3rd), Nashville (6th)
- Points Separation: 3 points from teams below Nashville
For Nashville, the stakes are equally high as only three points separate them from the teams below. Both teams will vie for improved standings, making this showdown a must-watch.
Player Updates and Notable Withdrawals
Inter Miami welcomes back five players after international duty, while Mateo “Toto” Silvetti is unavailable as he competes in the U20 World Cup final with Argentina. Mascherano encourages Silvetti to concentrate on his national team commitments for now.
The final regular-season game for Messi also marks a poignant moment, as it is set to be the last alongside his Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who will retire after this season.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
The match between Inter Miami and Nashville SC kicks off at 6 PM on Saturday. Fans can catch the event live on Apple TV MLS Season Pass.
Moreover, Messi and his production company will launch the inaugural Messi Cup in December, featuring top teams like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City in a U16 tournament in South Florida.
Tickets for the Messi Cup, taking place from December 9-14, can be purchased at messicup.com. This addition to Messi’s legacy further solidifies his influence in both professional and youth soccer.
