Lionel Messi becomes first player to win consecutive MLS Golden Boot awards

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has made history as the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in two consecutive seasons, finishing the 2026 campaign with 26 goals.

The 39-year-old secured the scoring title after making 31 regular-season appearances, a personal high since joining Inter Miami. According to BBC Sport, Messi finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and five ahead of Nashville's Sam Surridge. In addition to his scoring tally, Messi recorded 17 assists, leading the league in total goal contributions for the second year in a row.

During the final match of the regular season, Inter Miami played to a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC. Although Messi did not score, The Guardian reported that he assisted two first-half goals from corners. Miami held a 3-0 lead through goals from Ian Fray, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul, but Charlotte mounted a comeback that was completed by Rodolfo Aloko’s 90th-minute equalizer.

Despite the draw, Inter Miami secured second place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points. They finished 17 points behind Nashville, who set a new MLS single-season points record with 77. Miami is now scheduled to face Columbus Crew in a three-game series during the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, which are set to begin later this month.

Outlets report that Messi is also a leading candidate for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. If he wins, he would be the first player to collect the honor three times. World Soccer Talk noted that Messi previously won the MVP award in 2025 during a season in which he scored 29 goals.

Background

Lionel Messi previously landed the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award in 2024 as Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield and again in 2025 when the club won the MLS Cup. He also secured the Golden Boot in 2025 with 29 goals and 19 assists.