Messi 3rd in MLS Golden Boot Race With Goal Versus Atlanta, Looks to Match Ronaldo’s Saudi Feat

• Lionel Messi moved to third in the MLS Golden Boot race after scoring vs Atlanta
• Two players are tied for first place in the Golden Boot race with 13 goals apiece
• Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot title in the Saudi Pro League on Monday

The Golden Boot race in Major League Soccer is heating up.

Lionel Messi moved to third place in the scoring charts after finding the back of the net in the game against Atlanta United on Wednesday.

Sports Brief looks at the leading scorers in MLS this season.

MLS 2024 Top Scorers

1. Christian Benteke (D.C. United, 13 goals)

Benteke grabbed a share of the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race after scoring a brace against Montreal on Wednesday.

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He struck in the 29th and 42nd minutes to push his goal tally this season to 13. His double wasn't enough, however, to hand D.C. United the victory.

Montreal recorded a 4-2 win thanks to goals from Ariel Lassiter, Sunusi Ibrahim, and Mathieu Choinière.

1. Cristian Arango (Real Salt Lake, 13 goals)

Arango failed to score in Real Salt Lake's 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, causing a slight change in the Golden Boot leaderboard.

The good news for the Colombian is that he remains in first place with 13 goals scored this season. He has got some company at the top, though, with Benteke joining him in first place after scoring a double against Montreal.

3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, 11 goals)

Messi moved up to third place in the Golden Boot race after scoring a goal against Atlanta United on Wednesday. He blasted a long-range effort into the back of the net in the 62nd minute to cut the deficit to 2-1, per USA Today.

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The Herons failed to complete the rally, though, as they ended up losing by a score of 3-1. The veteran looked recharged after Inter Miami opted not to play him in the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend.

His bid to win this year's scoring title will take a huge hit, though, in the coming weeks. Messi reportedly will join Argentina's training camp next week for their Copa America campaign and will miss several games for Inter Miami as a result.

3. Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)

Messi's teammate, Luis Suarez, has been on fire as well for Inter Miami. He has proven to be a great signing for the Herons, scoring 11 goals for them in the 2024 season.

He's one of the reasons why Inter Miami are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Suarez failed to score on Wednesday against Atlanta, though, leaving him two goals behind Arango and Benteke in the Golden Boot race.

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Fans praise Ronaldo after winning Golden Boot

Fans also praised Cristiano Ronaldo after he achieved another historic feat on Monday.

He became the first player to win the Golden Boot in four different domestic leagues.

Sports Brief reported that Ronaldo won the Golden Boot award in the Saudi Pro League.