Messi and Hlongwane compete for the MLS League Cup Golden Boot.
Due to his excellent play for Minnesota United, Bongokuhle Hlongwane is now competing against Lionel Messi for the MLS League Cup’s Golden Boot.
Hlongwane, an attacker for Bafana Bafana, is having the time of his life playing for Minnesota United in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
His quantity of goals in the League Cup, where he is currently tied with Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, is proof of that.
The former Maritzburg United player scored three braces in three games against Puebla, Chicago, and Columbus Crew prior to his goal against Toluca in a 2-2 tie on Wednesday morning.
THE PERFORMANCE OF BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE IN THE MLS LEAGUE CUP
As a result, the 23-year-old’s total of seven goals for Minnesota United in the League Cup is equal to Lionel Messi’s.
Unquestionably, Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s strong run of form has been a key motivator this season.
The Bafana Bafana star has played a total of 28 games in all MLS tournaments, scoring 15 goals.
Along the process, the quick talisman Hlongwane also contributed three assists.
After Joseph Rosales’ goal in the 13th minute against Toluca, Hlongwane doubled Minnesota United’s advantage at the 32-minute point.
But in the second half, they fell apart like a house of cards. For Toluca, Valber Huerta and Tiago Volpi scored the decisive goals.
Penalty kicks were needed to separate the two teams, and Minnesota United prevailed 4-2. Messi, on the other hand, has seven goals to his name after scoring in each of Inter Miami’s first four games.
Since joining Inter Miami, the Argentine, who is considered as one of the best free-kick shooters, has displayed grace.
With three beautifully executed free kicks, Messi has the most outside-the-box goals in the league.
But it is uncertain whether Hlongwane can keep up with World Cup winner Messi.