Lionel Messi Ready To Target MLS Gold Boots In Inter Miami Regular Season Final Match

JAKARTA - Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi will be ready for the team's final game in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season against Nashville SC on Sunday, October 19, 2025, WIB dawn. The match will also be the moment for the captain to target the MLS Golden Boot.

Messi re-entered the Inter Miami squad after appearing for Argentina on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 WIB, against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.

"Yesterday they (Messi and Rodrigo De Paul) trained with us, they trained well. Today they will train fully with us."

"In addition to playing with Argentina (against Puerto Rico), Messi played for us on Sunday (12 October 2025 WIB)."

"De Paul doesn't play too much against Venezuela (Saturday, October 11, 2025 WIB). So, it's not an international break that's too tiring."

"They (Argentinas) play here (Miami, United States), so after the game, they can rest, they don't travel."

"Usually, when there is a four-day gap between matches, you can arrive in a state of rest and good. We will talk today after training," said Mascherano.

Mascherano said almost all players were available for the final game of the regular MLS season, except for David Ruiz and Allen Obando who were still sidelined by injury.

The last match against Nashville could have made sure Messi won the MLS 2025 Golden Boot and allowed Inter Miami to ensure home advantages for the MLS Playoffs.

Messi leads the Golden Boot standings with 26 goals. Los Angeles FC striker Denis Bouanga, right below him with 24 goals.

The Inter Miami captain has not won the league's Golden Boot since joining MLS in the summer of 2023. He almost won the award in 2024.

In addition to goals, Messi is also the top assist scorer for the 2025 MLS season with 18 assists, increasing his chances of winning the MLS MVP title.

Mascherano insists there is no doubt that Messi deserves the trophy, which will make him the first player to win the MLS MVP twice in a row after winning the 2024 edition award.

"There is no doubt in the slightest (that Messi is the MLS MVP). Despite the lack of playing less than any other player, his influence on this team is huge."

"Menilai Messi hanya berdasarkan stats, yang memang bisa dilakukan, dia yang terbaik, tetapi dia melewati angka-angka."

"On the pitch, he shows how important he is to this team. What he does makes everyone who watches enjoy it," Mascherano said.

Inter Miami does not yet know who the opponent will be in the MLS playoffs until the regular season is over on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at dawn WIB.