With Lionel Messi currently injured, Bafana Bafana striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane could overtake him as the top goalscorer in the history of the Leagues Cup.
The Leagues Cup is an international club tournament featuring Canadian and American teams from Major League Soccer, and Liga MX, Mexico’s top flight.
The 24-year-old Hlongwane, of Minnesota United FC, is second on the list of top goalscorers in the competition after scoring seven goals last season, three behind the former Barcelona superstar, who turns out for Inter Miami.
With the 2024 Leagues Cup starting last Friday, Hlongwane could surpass Messi as the Argentine recovers from an ankle injury he sustained while on duty during the recently completed Copa America.
Hlongwane has been in fine form in Major League Soccer this season, scoring seven goals with four assists in 24 appearances.
STAR PLAYER!!
— Prince Sobayeni Sports🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@PrinceSobayeni1) July 24, 2023
South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored a brace and assisted another goal as Minnesota United thrashed Mexican side Puebla 4-0 in the North American League Cup.
Here is one of Bongi's goals...check thread below for his second.pic.twitter.com/xy8mABbCkA
The Bafana international has continued to go from strength to strength since joining Minnesota from Maritzburg United, and has become one of the most popular players in the league.
According to recent media reports, Hlongwane’s number 21 jersey has been ranked 22nd in the top selling jerseys in MLS, outselling established superstars such as former Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets. His jersey was also the best-selling for his club Minnesota United, beating teammate and former Premier League player Teemu Pukki.
However, despite his continued rise in the United States, the Pietermaritzburg-born star has often been overlooked by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. Earlier this year, he was not included in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
Hlongwane will, however, be hoping that his impressive performances will earn him a Bafana recall in the future.
Full list of Players with the most goals in Leagues cup history.
Lionel Messi — 10
Bongokuhle Hlongwane — 7
Denis Bouanga — 6
Germán Berterame — 5
Brandon Vázquez — 5
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