Messi Chasing a New Rival?! MLS Golden Boot Race Heats Up!
Lionel Messi, a name synonymous with goal-scoring brilliance, faces a new challenge in the MLS Golden Boot race. While past battles often pitted him against Cristiano Ronaldo, a new contender has emerged: Englishman Sam Surridge.
Surridge's Surge in MLS
Sam Surridge, playing for Nashville SC, currently leads the Golden Boot race with 21 goals after a recent goal against Cincinnati. This puts him two goals ahead of Inter Miami's Lionel Messi. With Nashville having only four games remaining in their 34-game regular season, and Inter Miami with eight, the pressure is on Messi to close the gap.
However, Messi faces a tough challenge. As reported by Francisco Quatrin, in 2019, Carlos Vela set the MLS single-season scoring record with 34 goals for LAFC. Messi, with 19 goals and eight games left, needs to average two goals per game to match Vela's record. His current scoring rate is one goal every 89 minutes, meaning he'll need to significantly increase his production.
A Setback in Charlotte
Inter Miami's recent 3-0 defeat to Charlotte FC further complicated matters. Messi missed a penalty in that game, adding pressure in the Golden Boot race, as Surridge continues to extend his lead. The defeat also pushed Miami further down the Eastern Conference standings.
While coach Javier Mascherano defended Messi, stating the responsibility for the loss was his, the reality is that Inter Miami needs Messi to be at his best if they want to make a playoff push and see Messi capture the Golden Boot. Their remaining schedule includes games against Seattle, D.C. United, NYCFC, Toronto, Chicago, New England, Atlanta, and Nashville, making every game crucial.
Who is Sam Surridge?
The 27-year-old Surridge, a former England Under-21 striker, began his career with Bournemouth. He experienced loan spells at various clubs before joining Stoke and Nottingham Forest. He helped Forest gain promotion to the Premier League in 2022-23 before moving to the US in 2023. While he wasn't a prolific scorer in England, his MLS form suggests he's found his stride in the US. His teammate Alex Muyl joked about Surridge's extensive list of former clubs, highlighting his varied career path.
Can Messi overcome this new rival and capture his first MLS Golden Boot? Only time will tell, but the race is certainly heating up!