The Golden Boot race in MLS is heading for a dramatic finish. Lionel Messi leads with 24 goals, but Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge are right behind him. The league’s final round, Decision Day on October 18, will settle it all. With just weeks left, one slip — or one hot streak — could swing the race.
Summary: Updated to September 29, Messi has 24 goals. Bouanga sits on 23, Surridge on 22. It’s still too close to call.
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Matches remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami CF | 24 | 14 | 4 |
| 2 | Denis Bouanga | LAFC | 23 | 8 | 4 |
| 3 | Sam Surridge | Nashville SC | 22 | 5 | 2 |
| 4 | Dejan Joveljic | Sporting KC | 18 | 2 | 2 |
| 5 | Evander | FC Cincinnati | 17 | 14 | 2 |
| 6 | Petar Musa | FC Dallas | 17 | 6 | 3 |
| 7 | Alonso Martínez | New York City FC | 17 | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | Hugo Cuypers | Chicago Fire | 17 | 2 | 3 |
| 9 | Martín Ojeda | Orlando City | 16 | 14 | 3 |
| 10 | Hany Mukhtar | Nashville SC | 16 | 11 | 2 |
1. Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 24 goals, 14 assists
Messi scored his 24th of the season in Miami’s 2–1 win over Atlanta on September 21. Add 14 assists and he’s been involved in nearly every big moment for the club. Four games remain for him to stretch the lead. At 38, he still bends games his way.
Betting markets like UFABET keep him as the favorite for the Golden Boot, though Bouanga and Surridge are close enough to keep things tense.
2. Denis Bouanga | LAFC | 23 goals, 8 assists
Bouanga pulled LAFC within touching distance after scoring twice against Portland last weekend. That brought him to 23 goals, just one behind Messi, with four games left. He’s direct, he runs at defenders, and he doesn’t hesitate in front of goal. LAFC will need every bit of his finishing if they’re going to secure a strong playoff spot in the West.
3. Sam Surridge | Nashville SC | 22 goals, 5 assists
Surridge has been Nashville’s main weapon all season. His 22 goals include two hat-tricks, one in a wild 7–2 against Chicago Fire. The catch? Nashville only have two games left. That puts pressure on him to be clinical — any missed chance could cost him the crown. Regardless, his first full season in MLS has already been a success story.
4. Dejan Joveljic | Sporting Kansas City | 18 goals, 2 assists
Joveljic kept Kansas City’s playoff hopes alive with his 18th goal in a draw against Houston. He’s not flashy, but he’s always in the right spot. Two matches left make it nearly impossible to catch the leaders, but 18 goals is a solid return in a team that’s struggled for consistency.
5. Evander | FC Cincinnati | 17 goals, 14 assists
Evander is more than a scorer. With 17 goals and 14 assists, he’s been the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s midfield. He can shoot from range, create openings, and handle set pieces. Cincinnati sit second in the East, and his ability to both score and set up teammates is a big reason why.
6. Petar Musa | FC Dallas | 17 goals, 6 assists
Musa’s 17th goal came in a 3–2 win over Colorado earlier this month. At 6’1”, he’s a target in the box, but he also has the touch to finish from awkward angles. Dallas still have three games left, which gives him a shot at climbing higher before Decision Day.
7. Alonso Martínez | New York City FC | 17 goals, 2 assists
Martínez has been a revelation for NYCFC. The Costa Rican scored a late winner against Orlando in August that underlined his value. He has 17 goals on the season, and though the assist tally is low, his finishing speaks for itself. Only two matches remain, so his chances of moving up are slim, but he’s already made his mark.
8. Hugo Cuypers | Chicago Fire | 17 goals, 2 assists
Chicago have had a tough year, but Cuypers has quietly delivered. Seventeen goals in a mid-table team isn’t easy. He doesn’t waste many chances and often pops up with goals that keep Chicago competitive. Three matches remain for him to finish on a high.
9. Martín Ojeda | Orlando City | 16 goals, 14 assists
Ojeda has matched his goals with assists — 16 and 14. He’s Orlando’s playmaker and finisher rolled into one. His free-kick against Toronto in September was one of the best of the season. With three games left, he could push into the top five if he stays sharp.
10. Hany Mukhtar | Nashville SC | 16 goals, 11 assists
Mukhtar is no stranger to this list. The 2022 MVP has 16 goals and 11 assists this year, despite sharing the spotlight with Surridge. His penalty against Columbus in September kept Nashville in the playoff hunt. Two games left give him time to edge past Ojeda if he finds his finishing touch.
FAQ
Who has scored more career goals: Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo has the edge. Between Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, and Portugal, he has scored over 870 official goals. Lionel Messi, counting Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina, has passed 820. Both keep adding to their totals in 2025. While Ronaldo’s numbers are heavier in Europe, Messi’s split between Spain, France, and now MLS shows the breadth of his impact. The rivalry remains one of football’s defining debates.
How many goals has Messi scored for Inter Miami since moving to the United States?
Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023. By September 2025, he has scored more than 50 goals in all competitions for the club. That includes league play, the Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup. His first month alone brought ten goals and a Leagues Cup title, setting the tone for his MLS career. Each season since, he has hit double digits, proving that his move to the U.S. hasn’t slowed down his scoring record.
Which team looks best positioned to win the MLS Cup in 2025?
Philadelphia Union top the Eastern Conference with 63 points after 32 matches. Cincinnati sit second on 59, while Inter Miami and NYCFC follow with 56 each. In the West, LAFC remain a major threat. The MLS Cup isn’t just about scoring leaders — it’s about squad depth and defensive balance. Based on standings and form, Philadelphia and Cincinnati are best positioned. Both clubs are consistent, and both could secure home advantage through the playoffs.
