Golden Boot Battle: Sam Surridge Surprised by MLS Rivalry with Lionel Messi
Sam Surridge expresses his disbelief at being in an MLS Golden Boot battle with the legendary Lionel Messi in 2025. Both players exhibit remarkable goal-scoring form, with Surridge drawing inspiration from Inter Miami superstars.

Sam Surridge admits that it feels “surreal” to be involved in an MLS Golden Boot battle with Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is maintaining remarkable individual standards at Inter Miami, but former Nottingham Forest striker Surridge is keeping pace with the South American superstar when it comes to prolific strike rates in 2025.
The Unlikely Rivalry
As the MLS season progresses, the unexpected Golden Boot duel between Sam Surridge and Lionel Messi has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. Surridge, having transitioned from Nottingham Forest to a prominent role in Inter Miami, finds himself in an unimaginable scenario where he is directly competing with the iconic Messi on the goal-scoring charts.
Surreal Sensations
Surridge openly acknowledges the surreal nature of his current situation. To share the leaderboard with a footballing legend like Messi is a dream scenario for the young striker, who continues to raise his game and match the prolific scoring rates set by the Argentine maestro.
Inspiration from Inter Miami
Drawing inspiration from his colleagues at Inter Miami, Surridge credits the superstars within the squad for pushing him to new heights. The competitive environment fostered by players of the caliber of Messi fuels Surridge's determination to excel and make significant contributions on the pitch.
Surridge's Determination
While many would consider facing Lionel Messi in a Golden Boot battle a daunting task, Surridge embraces the challenge with unwavering determination. The former Nottingham Forest striker displays resilience and a relentless work ethic as he strives to maintain his goal-scoring prowess and remain competitive alongside a footballing icon.
Looking Ahead
As the MLS season unfolds, the captivating rivalry between Sam Surridge and Lionel Messi adds an intriguing dimension to the league. Football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how the Golden Boot race will evolve, with Surridge's unexpected emergence as a challenger to one of the greatest players of all time injecting excitement and unpredictability into the competition.