Lionel Messi has become the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons after finishing the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign as the league's top scorer with 26 goals in 31 appearances.
The Inter Miami forward finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who scored 22 times, while Nashville SC's English forward Sam Surridge finished third with 21 goals after netting twice on the final day of the regular season. Messi is now only the sixth player to win the Golden Boot twice, joining an exclusive list that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner failed to add to his tally in Miami's final regular-season fixture on Saturday as they surrendered a three-goal half-time lead to draw 3-3 against Charlotte FC.
The 39-year-old also registered 17 assists during the campaign, taking his overall goal contribution to 43. He had scored 29 goals in the previous season, becoming only the second player in MLS history to score at least 25 goals in consecutive campaigns. Despite Messi's impressive performances, Inter Miami missed out on top spot in the Eastern Conference, finishing second behind Nashville SC.
The Argentine forward, who retired from international football earlier this year after a 21-year career, signed a contract extension with Inter Miami in October that will keep him at the club until 2028. Messi first claimed the MLS Golden Boot in 2025, having also enjoyed a successful 2024 campaign in which Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield. He subsequently helped the club lift the MLS Cup in 2025.
Inter Miami will now face Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup Playoffs, which begin on November 19.
