Nashville‘s Sam Surridge Emerges as Unexpected MLS Golden Boot Contender Alongside Lionel Messi
Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge is rapidly becoming a surprise challenger to Lionel Messi in the race for the MLS Golden Boot, fueled by a breakout season and the growing soccer fever gripping the city. The 25-year-old Englishman currently ranks among the league’s top goalscorers, capitalizing on Nashville’s US Open Cup success and the increased attention surrounding soccer in the United States.
Nashville,traditionally a stronghold for American football and ice hockey with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and NHL’s Nashville Predators,is experiencing a surge in soccer popularity. Surridge, who enjoys attending games for both the Titans and Predators, notes the passionate fanbase. “It is pretty intense,” he explains. “The way they play, they’re a different kind of humans – these big guys that will smash each other.” Though, he’s also witnessed firsthand the city’s embrace of “the beautiful game,” a transformation accelerated by Nashville SC’s arrival in MLS in 2020 and, more recently, the “Lionel Messi-effect.”
Founded just nine years ago, Nashville SC has quickly established itself, playing in the purpose-built 30,000-capacity Geodis park. The club, led by CEO Ian Ayre – formerly of Liverpool – is attracting larger crowds and heightened interest, particularly with high-profile matchups like the upcoming visit from Inter Miami. “A lot of people like their sports in general,” Surridge says. “They will go watch the NFL, NHL and soccer. They love it here. I have seen it grow.”
Surridge believes the upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by North America, will further elevate soccer’s profile in the USA. However, he also expresses concern about the challenging conditions players will face, particularly the heat.Nashville often holds training sessions at 8 am to avoid the worst of the afternoon temperatures. “It’s going to be really challenging for players to adjust to the heat,” he adds, referencing the difficulties experienced by teams at the recent Club World Cup. “You saw it in the Club World Cup, where teams couldn’t even train because it was so hot and it is not easy.”
He anticipates a slower pace of play in the heat.”I cannot imagine what playing at 3pm in the middle of the day will be like. You get your water breaks, but that just doesn’t help at all,” Surridge said. “It is indeed going to be a lot slower. You don’t want to lose the ball and be running around for half an hour trying to get it back in the heat.” Despite the challenges, Surridge remains focused on contributing to Nashville’s success and continuing his pursuit of the Golden boot, proving himself a formidable competitor alongside one of the sport’s greatest icons.
