Messi Has One Hand on the MLS Golden Boot After Hat-Trick Against Nashville, But Teammate Sparks Controversy

Lionel Messi continues to dazzle Major League Soccer, this time with a stunning hat-trick against Nashville SC, bringing him closer than ever to claiming the MLS Golden Boot. However, not everyone is celebrating his achievement. In a shocking turn of events, one of Messi’s own Inter Miami teammates has publicly questioned whether the Argentine superstar truly deserves the title of league top scorer, sparking a heated debate among fans and pundits alike.

The teammate, whose identity has been widely reported but remains partially anonymized, cited three main reasons to argue that Messi’s current scoring record should be viewed with skepticism. First, he pointed out that the defenses in MLS, while improving, are not as competitive as those in Europe’s top leagues. “He’s playing against teams that are still developing,” the player remarked. “In Europe, every match is a tactical battle. Here, Messi faces defenders who often lack the same level of organization and experience.”

Second, the teammate questioned the quality of service Messi receives at Inter Miami. “He has some of the best midfielders in the league feeding him passes every game. That’s a luxury many other top scorers in MLS don’t have,” he said, implying that Messi’s prolific scoring is aided by an unusually strong supporting cast. Analysts quickly weighed in, noting that while Messi’s talent is undeniable, the Argentine’s teammates’ contributions do play a significant role in his goal tally, making his numbers appear even more dominant.

The third reason cited was Messi’s position and style of play. The teammate argued that Messi is often placed in positions that maximize scoring opportunities rather than testing him against the league’s toughest defensive setups. “He doesn’t always face high-press situations like other forwards do. He is allowed space and freedom that others can only dream of,” he added, fueling the narrative that Messi’s Golden Boot race may not reflect the same challenges faced by other MLS strikers.

Fans and media immediately reacted to the remarks, with opinions divided. Supporters of Messi defended him fiercely, pointing out that his brilliance, vision, and execution cannot be undermined by tactical advantages or weaker opposition. “Messi’s talent transcends leagues. He scores goals in Europe, in international tournaments, and now in MLS. Stop trying to take away what he’s earned,” one fan tweeted. Others, however, agreed with the teammate, suggesting that context matters when awarding a top scorer honor. “Numbers alone don’t tell the full story. League quality, teammates, and positioning all factor in,” wrote another.

The controversy has added an unexpected layer to Inter Miami’s season, placing Messi’s Golden Boot pursuit under intense scrutiny. Analysts now predict that every goal he scores will be dissected and debated more than ever, with fans eagerly awaiting the end-of-season tally.

Despite the internal criticism, Messi remains focused on the pitch, celebrating each goal with his trademark skill and composure. Whether or not he is deemed deserving by all, there is no denying that his presence in MLS has transformed the league’s visibility, bringing international attention, ticket sales, and a global audience eager to watch every match.

As the season progresses, the debate over Messi’s Golden Boot and his place in MLS history is likely to continue, ensuring that every strike, assist, and highlight will be under the microscope—not just for the fans, but also for his own teammates.