The Biggest Twists and Turns of the MLS Golden Boot Race | OneFootball

The 2024 Major League Soccer Golden Boot pres. by Audi race is nearing its conclusion with one more matchday on the cards to determine this year's top goalscorer.

In an attack-heavy league like MLS, teams tend to prioritize having more quality up front than they do in defense—which makes for exciting Golden Boot races. That's not to say that several MLS teams don't have good defenses, but most of the time the attacking talent in the league trumps the defensive end.

MLS is blessed with several of the game's best-ever goal scorers that played their trade in Europe that are now lighting it up week in and week out in North America. The likes of Christian Benteke, Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Luis Suárez and Cucho Hernández have all found the back of the net plenty of times in 2024 to remain near the top of the Golden Boot standings.

Lionel Messi's Fast Start

Messi guided Inter Miami to Supporters' Shield glory / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi's first season in MLS couldn't have got off to a better start. The 37-year-old ex-PSG player tallied an incredible 10 goals in his first eight league appearances of the season. This includes back-to-back braces against Nashville SC and New England Revolution.

The Herons were cruising in the early stages of the MLS season thanks to consistent brilliant performances from their superstar No. 10.

Denis Bouanga and Cucho Hernández playing well throughout the season

Cucho Hernandez hopes to lead Columbus to MLS Cup glory again / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga has just about done everything in his power to retain the top-scoring award in front of goal for LAFC. The Gabon international is in the form of his life on the west coast as he's remained fairly consistent throughout the regular season and is four goals off the top spot from D.C. United's Christian Benteke with 19 strikes.

Columbus Crew's excellent second season under Wilfried Nancy has been fueled by their talisman Cucho Hernández. The Crew are favorites to hoist MLS Cup in December for a second straight season thanks to the Colombian's 19 league goals for the Ohio-based club.

Christian Benteke races out in front in wake of Messi's injury

D.C. United can count on Christian Benteke to score goals / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Former Crystal Palace and Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is a near-lock to take home the goalscoring crown this season with 23 strikes for D.C. United. Benteke is able to score so many goals thanks to his aerial prowess and ability to bully would-be defenders off the ball in the opposition's penalty area.

The 33-year-old started the season off on fire with a hat trick vs. New England Revolution and has continued his electric form all throughout the season while players like Luis Suárez and Messi played less matches due to their involvements in Copa América while the latter picked up a serious ankle injury that delayed his return to MLS until September. While Messi was injured, Benteke continued to find the back of the net in the middle of the season to keep D.C. in the playoff picture.

Luis Suárez makes late push as Benteke stays hot

Luis Suarez leads Inter Miami in goals scored / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Suárez returned to the Miami camp upon Uruguay's elimination from Copa América determined to make a late push for the Golden Boot. El Pistolero has logged six goals in his last eight MLS appearances to creep up the Golden Boot standings and sits on 18 goals scored with one matchday to go.

His best friend in Messi has also chipped in with three goals in as many matches to bring his season-long tally to 17 goals. However, Benteke has remained sharp and focused to with nine strikes in his last nine games for the Black and Red to nullify Messi and Suárez's late efforts.