Lionel Messi wins back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awards

Lionel Messi has made history in Major League Soccer (MLS) by winning the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive season. The Inter Miami star concluded the 2026 regular season with 26 goals, outpacing Petar Musa of FC Dallas, who finished with 22, and Sam Surridge of Nashville, who recorded 21. In addition to his scoring tally, the Argentine forward provided 17 assists, marking 43 total goal involvements throughout the campaign. He is the first player in the history of the league to secure the Golden Boot in two successive years.

Inter Miami finalized their regular season performance with a 3-3 draw against Charlotte, finishing second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points behind league leaders Nashville, who set a record with 77 points. This result grants Inter Miami home-field advantage for the first two rounds of the upcoming playoffs. Following his previous success in 2025, where he recorded 29 goals and 19 assists, Messi is now established as one of only six players in league history to claim multiple Golden Boot trophies. The team is now shifting its focus to the playoff tournament.