{"id":660588,"date":"2025-10-18T23:41:51","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T03:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=660588"},"modified":"2025-10-19T01:54:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T05:54:35","slug":"lionel-messi-secures-golden-boot-2025-mls-playoffs-locked-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/18\/lionel-messi-secures-golden-boot-2025-mls-playoffs-locked-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Lionel Messi Secures Golden Boot, 2025 MLS Playoffs Locked In"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Lionel Messi delivered more magic on MLS \u201cDecision Day\u201d 2025, closing out the regular season with a hat trick and an assist to <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/433\/status\/1979703228817137683\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">finish his regular season<\/a> at 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games for Inter Miami.<\/p>\n<h2>Lionel Messi is the Best Player in MLS, Can Inter Miami Win the MLS Cup?<\/h2>\n<p>Messi\u2019s 29 goals came almost entirely from open play \u2014 he converted just one penalty all season (in the finale against Nashville SC). He finished ahead of Denis Bouanga, who is still vying for a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/14\/nine-african-nations-including-senegal-secure-direct-berths-to-2026-fifa-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">World Cup spot with Gabon<\/a>, and Nashville\u2019s Sam Surridge, the former Stoke City and Nottingham Forest forward, in the Golden Boot race.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Messi FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES Scoring 2 Goals!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h70jbqBBznA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Messi\u2019s 19 assists put him just behind Danish international Anders Dreyer, who had a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbs8.com\/video\/sports\/soccer\/san-diego-fc\/san-diego-fc-anders-dreyer\/509-7801870b-aedc-4685-bfc1-55cf495794d3\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fantastic debut season<\/a> with expansion side San Diego FC \u2014 a club that finished first in the MLS Western Conference. Dreyer, formerly of Anderlecht in Belgium, quickly established himself as one of the league\u2019s most creative players.<\/p>\n<p>Messi\u2019s combined 45 goal contributions (goals + assists) place him comfortably ahead of fellow MVP contenders Dreyer and FC Cincinnati\u2019s Brazilian star Evander.<\/p>\n<p>Having proven once again that he\u2019s not only the best player in MLS, but arguably the best in league history since arriving in 2023, Messi faces one final challenge \u2014 can he lift the MLS Cup? He won the Leagues Cup in 2023 but arrived too late to save Miami\u2019s playoff hopes that year. In 2024, Inter Miami set a new MLS points record (74) and captured the Supporters\u2019 Shield, only to be stunned by Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Brad Guzan All Saves vs. Messi and Inter Miami | Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aWHE5tBLpXo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>This season, Miami\u2019s defensive inconsistency, and Messi\u2019s occasional absences saw them finish third in a stacked Eastern Conference. Their 19-7-8 record, backed by the best goal differential in the conference, left them just one point behind top-seeded Philadelphia Union. Evander\u2019s Cincinnati finished second, with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/10\/31\/wilfried-zaha-racist-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Wilfried Zaha<\/a>\u2019s FC Charlotte in fourth.<\/p>\n<h3>MLS Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket: Orlando City vs Chicago In The Wild Card Round<\/h3>\n<p>The Eastern Conference Wild Card round features Orlando City traveling to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Fire. Both teams finished with 53 points. Orlando is led by Argentine playmaker Mart\u00edn Ojeda (16 goals, 15 assists) and Croatian midfielder Marco Pa\u0161ali\u0107. Chicago leans on Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers (17 goals) and Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel to drive their attack.<\/p>\n<p>Philadelphia Union await the Wild Card winner in their first playoff matchup. All series are best-of-three, with each team hosting once and the higher seed hosting a potential Game 3. Kai Wagner and Tai Baribo are key men for the Union, who remain among MLS\u2019s elite despite lacking household names.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte FC faces NYCFC in the #4 vs. #5 matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/other\/charlotte-fc-finishes-season-strong-what-we-learned-from-home-win-over-philly\/ar-AA1OJGUp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlotte was capable of long winning streaks<\/a> this season, anchored by U.S. veteran Tim Ream at the back. Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has contributed to 21 goals this season, while 35-year-old Ashley Westwood (ex-Aston Villa, Burnley) continues to marshal the midfield. However, the health of Pep Biel, sidelined with a knee injury, could be decisive for their chances. Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has been outstanding in net.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wilfried Zaha 2025 - Crazy Skills, Assists &amp; Goals - Charlotte | HD\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/m5cO8ql2Swc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>NYCFC, owned by City Football Group, counters with U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, and young Argentine attackers Juli\u00e1n Fern\u00e1ndez and Agust\u00edn Ojeda. Costa Rican international <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/15\/honduras-seizes-the-opportunity-in-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Alonso Mart\u00ednez<\/a> has been their main threat, tallying 17 goals this season.<\/p>\n<h3>Columbus vs. Cincinnati Derby Headlines MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs<\/h3>\n<p>Columbus Crew, the 2023 champions under Wilfried Nancy, have built a relative MLS dynasty. Their first-round clash with FC Cincinnati renews one of MLS\u2019s fiercest rivalries. For Cincinnati, 24-year-old striker Kevin Denkey and playmaker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/other\/evander-brenner-power-fc-cincinnati-past-montreal-to-clinch-no-2-seed-in-east\/ar-AA1OJKRc\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evander lead the way<\/a> \u2014 Evander has continued his strong form from his Portland days. Columbus features <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/14\/nine-african-nations-including-senegal-secure-direct-berths-to-2026-fifa-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Cape Verde international<\/a> Steven Moreira, retiring midfield leader <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/07\/the-worlds-star-the-leagues-leader-mls-bids-farewell-to-sergio-busquets-and-darlington-nagbe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Darlington Nagbe<\/a>, and U.S. international Max Arfsten. The health of attackers Wessam Abou Ali and MLS legend Diego Rossi (still just 27) could determine whether the Crew can pull off another deep playoff run.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2232349725\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2232349725?et=ibG_wyovQ8RcVaJrQuKJZQ&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=3ZjMeTxgdo1XF0JWuMv7D0TF4pVLhxza31IpMY24qqU=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Evander ABSOLUTE ROCKET from downtown for FC Cincinnati!!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Jx_LtMaYRSA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Inter Miami\u2019s Title Chase Begins With a Nashville Rematch<\/h3>\n<p>Inter Miami open the playoffs with a rematch against Nashville SC \u2014 the same team they defeated 5-2 on Decision Day. The 2025 campaign has a \u201cLast Dance\u201d feel for this Miami squad. Goalkeeper \u00d3scar Ustari is 39, while Jordi Alba (36) and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/07\/the-worlds-star-the-leagues-leader-mls-bids-farewell-to-sergio-busquets-and-darlington-nagbe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Sergio Busquets<\/a> (37) are <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/08\/inter-miami-jordi-alba-retire\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">retiring at season\u2019s end after already being honored by the club<\/a>. Luis Su\u00e1rez, 38 and always <a href=\"https:\/\/www.essentiallysports.com\/soccer-football-news-i-take-three-pills-and-shoot-myself-luis-suarez-exposes-horrific-memories-of-his-knee-injury-ahead-of-inter-miami-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">suffering from pain<\/a> in his knees, managed 10 goals and 9 assists this year thanks to his elite instincts and technical brilliance. And of course, Messi remains the heart of the team.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF | Full Match Highlights | Messi Hat Trick!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yhhtOVbiQsI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Miami\u2019s attack remains one of MLS\u2019s most dangerous. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/16\/argentina-and-morocco-to-contest-2025-fifa-u-20-world-cup-final\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">U-20 World Cup standout<\/a> Mateo Silvetti provides depth off the bench, while Rodrigo De Paul \u2014 who joined midseason from Atl\u00e9tico Madrid \u2014 has struggled to find rhythm, recording just 4 assists and no goals in 11 MLS appearances. He did, however, score and assist twice in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/08\/21\/leagues-cup-disaster-for-liga-mx-as-messi-less-inter-miami-defeat-tigres\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Leagues Cup<\/a>, where Miami reached the final before falling to Seattle.<\/p>\n<p>The Herons have logged heavy minutes this year, reaching both the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/09\/01\/inter-miami-fails-to-impress-in-a-must-win-game-seattle-sounders-win-2025-leagues-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Leagues Cup final<\/a> and the knockout stage of the 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/07\/06\/is-the-2025-fifa-club-world-cup-a-turning-point-for-world-football\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">FIFA Club World Cup<\/a> \u2014 a run that few expected. When Messi is fit, he drives Miami to greatness. But for the Herons to finally lift the MLS Cup, he\u2019ll need help \u2014 especially on the defensive end. Oft-criticized manager Javier Mascherano is under pressure to focus the team defensively. Teams like Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Charlotte have shown they have built impressive teams that can compete week in, week out, in MLS.<\/p>\n<h3>Looking Ahead to the MLS Cup Final<\/h3>\n<p>This article covers the Eastern Conference side of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, focusing on Lionel Messi, Evander, and other stars shaping the path to the final. For full coverage of the <strong>Western Conference Playoffs<\/strong> \u2014 including Thomas M\u00fcller\u2019s Vancouver Whitecaps and Son Heung-min\u2019s LAFC \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/19\/son-heung-min-aims-for-an-mls-championship-in-his-first-season-with-lafc\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: IMAGO \/ Agencia-MexSport<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lionel Messi delivered more magic on MLS \u201cDecision Day\u201d 2025, closing out the regular season with a hat trick and an assist to finish his regular season at 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games for Inter Miami. Lionel Messi is the Best Player in MLS, Can Inter Miami Win the MLS Cup? Messi\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1442,"featured_media":655888,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,2],"tags":[32617,32541,4621,502,41,511,4678,624,7695,337,2517],"class_list":["post-660588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-featured","tag-darlington-nagbe","tag-evander","tag-inter-miami","tag-jordi-alba","tag-lionel-messi","tag-luis-suarez","tag-major-league-soccer","tag-mls","tag-mls-cup","tag-sergio-busquets","tag-wilfred-zaha"],"modified_by":"Steen Kirby","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/660588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1442"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=660588"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/660588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":660596,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/660588\/revisions\/660596"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/655888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=660588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=660588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=660588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}