MLS Golden Boot Battle Heats Up: Which Striker Will Dominate 2025?

The competition is heading toward a thrilling finish.

The battle for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot intensified during Matchday 35, as Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and LAFC's Denis Bouanga both delivered multi-goal performances, while Nashville SC's Sam Surridge remained close in pursuit.

In the previous campaign, D.C. United's Christian Benteke claimed Golden Boot recognition with 23 goals, but this year's scoring championship appears to require a considerably higher tally.

If players finish level on goals when the regular season concludes on Oct. 18, the individual with the most assists will claim the award. Should they remain tied, the honor goes to the player with fewer minutes on the field.

What could unfold? Here's the current situation.

1. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami

Lionel Messi netted twice against D.C. United during Matchday 35, claiming sole possession of the Golden Boot lead before Denis Bouanga responded for LAFC on Sunday evening. Messi has tallied 22 goals and 12 assists across just 1880 minutes.

2. Denis Bouanga - LAFC

Denis Bouanga found the net four times this week across two 4–1 victories over Real Salt Lake. This achievement saw him surpass Carlos Vela as LAFC's record goalscorer, as he pursues a second Golden Boot following his 2023 triumph. With Son Heung-min as his teammate, his prospects look promising.

3. Sam Surridge - Nashville SC

Sam Surridge held the Golden Boot advantage for much of the campaign, but was unable to score in their latest 3–2 defeat to Orlando City SC. Regrettably for him, his strikes in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal don't factor into the tally.

4. Evander - FC Cincinnati

Evander has emerged as the catalyst FC Cincinnati required, serving as the cornerstone of their achievements. However, the Golden Boot may be beyond reach at this stage of the season considering the distance between him and the leaders.

5. Alonso Martínez - New York City FC

Martínez has proven to be a consistent scorer for NYCFC in recent campaigns, and he might have ranked higher on this list had DP midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau been available from the season's opening.

MLS Golden Boot Standings as of Sept. 21, 2025