Messi first to claim MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons

Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons on 8 November 2026, finishing the campaign with 26 goals in 31 appearances. He also provided 17 assists, taking his season total to 43 goal contributions, the league's best for the second year in a row.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup winner retired from international football with Argentina earlier this year and is now a former Argentina forward. The 39-year-old's 17 assists complemented his 26 goals across the MLS season. He could become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner after winning the award in 2024 and again in 2025. He landed the award in 2024 as Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield title and also in 2025 as they won the MLS Cup.

Messi finished four goals clear of FC Dallas striker Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville's English forward Sam Surridge to secure the Golden Boot. He becomes only the sixth player to win the award twice, joining a list that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. The 26 goals came in 31 appearances across the MLS season.

Inter Miami did not finish top of the MLS Eastern Conference, ending the regular season 17 points behind Surridge's Nashville despite Messi's scoring and assist numbers. That gap left Miami short of first place in the standings.

They will now face Columbus Crew over three games in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs, which begin later this month.