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Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge has stated that it feels 'surreal' to be ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot in Major League Soccer [MLS]. The Englishman, who made the switch to MLS back in 2023, leads Messi by the odd goal after having scored 21 times for Nashville in 30 appearances this season.
Notably, Messi has won the golden boot eight times during his glittering career. However, despite netting 62 goals in 75 appearances for Inter Miami, the Argentine has yet to win the award with the MLS club.
The 38-year-old has found the back of the net 20 times this season, while also registering nine assists. And amid Messi's ongoing battle with Surridge for the golden boot, the Nashville striker opened up on how he feels about it.
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Speaking to FourFourTwo, Surridge stated:
“Being in a race with Messi is special for me. It is a bit surreal.
“Messi could end up scoring however many goals in a game, and I can’t control that. I focus on what I can do."
Surridge also went on to acknowledge the fact that him and Messi have competition from several other players too. He added:
“It's also great that he's doing well because it's almost like me against him in a way, but there's still some others in the race to get the Golden Boot.”
Surridge and Messi are being chased by Denis Bouanga (19), Evander and Dejan Joveljic (both 17) in the race for the MLS golden boot this season.
Lionel Messi close to contract extension with Inter Miami: Reports
According to ESPN, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are closing in on an agreement over a new multi-year contract for the Argentina international. Inter Miami secured a two-and-half year deal for Messi when he first joined the club in 2023, and as such, his current contract will expire at the end of 2025.
Although speculation was rife about Lionel Messi extending his stay in Florida, Inter Miami can now breathe a sigh of relief, if reports are to be believed. The source also mentioned that only the final few details of the new deal are yet to be agreed. Once there is a complete agreement between Messi and Inter Miami, the contract will be sent to MLS for final approval.
Messi won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami just weeks after making his debut in 2023. He also lifted the Supporters' Shield in 2024 as Inter Miami set the record for most points in a single season. Lionel Messi is also the club's leading goal-scorer of all-time.
