Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, made history last year by winning his first Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot award while leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup victory. With an impressive tally of 29 goals in 28 regular season matches in 2025, Messi is now a strong contender to repeat this feat in the upcoming season.
However, the race for the MLS Golden Boot title is not just about Messi. There are several other talented players who could challenge him for the top scorer accolade this year. Let’s take a look at some of the potential contenders apart from Messi:
Anders Dreyer (San Diego):
Danish international Anders Dreyer had a phenomenal debut season in the MLS in 2025, scoring 19 goals and providing 17 assists for San Diego. The 27-year-old winger has already started the new season on a positive note, finding the back of the net twice in three league matches.
German Berterame (Inter Miami):
Mexican striker German Berterame arrived at Inter Miami from Monterrey earlier this year and is expected to lead the Herons’ attacking line. With the likes of Messi, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul supporting him, Berterame has a good chance of becoming Inter Miami’s top goalscorer this season.
Denis Bouanga (LAFC):
LAFC winger Denis Bouanga is a consistent goal scorer in the MLS, having scored over 20 goals in each of the last three seasons. The Gabon international narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot last year and is determined to continue his impressive form in the upcoming season.
Son Heung-min (LAFC):
Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min had a strong start to his MLS career, scoring nine goals in 10 regular season games in 2025. The South Korean striker is expected to play a key role for LAFC this season and could form a formidable partnership with Bouanga in front of goal.
Sam Surridge (Nashville):
Sam Surridge has established himself as one of the best strikers in the MLS, scoring 24 goals in 34 matches for Nashville last year. The 27-year-old English forward has already netted four goals in just two league matches this season and is a strong contender for the Golden Boot award.
As the MLS season unfolds, it will be exciting to see which player emerges as the top scorer and lifts the coveted Golden Boot trophy. Messi may be the favorite, but the competition from players like Dreyer, Berterame, Bouanga, Son, and Surridge promises an exciting battle for individual honors in the league.
