Hlongwane, and Messi battle for the MLS League Cup Golden Boot

Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s rich vein of form for Minnesota United has thrust him into an intriguing battle for the MLS League Cup golden boot against Lionel Messi.

The Bafana Bafana attacker, Hlongwane, is having the best time of his life at Minnesota United in the United States; Major League Soccer [MLS].

That has been evidenced by his number of goals in the League Cup, where he is now level with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Prior to his goal against Toluca in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday morning, the former Maritzburg United player scored three braces in three matches against Puebla, Chicago and Columbus Crew.

HOW BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE IS FARING IN MLS LEAGUE CUP

This means that the 23-year-old has seven goals in the League Cup for Minnesota United, level with Lionel Messi’s tally.

Without a doubt, Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s rich vein of form has been a major driving force this season.

The Bafana Bafana star has managed 15 goals in all MLS competitions, where he has played a combined 28 matches.

Hlongwane, the speedy talisman, also provided three assists along the way.

Against Toluca, Hlongwane doubled Minnesota United’s lead on the 32-minute mark after Joseph Rosales’ 13th-minute goal.

However, they crumbled like a deck of cards in the second half. Valber Huerta and Tiago Volpi got the all-important goals for Toluca.

The two sides needed penalties to separate them, and Minnesota United won 4-2. On the other hand, Messi has scored in all four matches for Inter Miami, with seven goals under his belt.

The Argentine, who is regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers, has shown class since joining Inter Miami.

In the league, Messi has scored the most number of goals from outside the box, with three brilliantly taken free-kicks.

But it remains to be seen if Hlongwane will be able to keep up with the World Cup winner, Messi.

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