Lionel Messi wins 2026 MLS Golden Boot & becomes the first player ever to win it back-to-back

Lionel Messi wins 2026 MLS Golden Boot & becomes the first player ever to win it back-to-back Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win consecutive Golden Boot awards after finishing the 2026 regular season as the league’s leading scorer. The Inter Miami captain scored 26 goals in 31 appearances to retain the prize, having scored 29 goals in 28 games during the 2025 campaign. The 39-year-old finished ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who managed 22 goals, while Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge placed third with 21. Messi also registered 17 assists, giving him a league-leading 43 goal contributions as he continues to defy expectations even in the latter stages of his career. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now joined an exclusive group of players to claim the MLS Golden Boot twice. However, he remains the only footballer to do so in successive seasons. His latest individual accolade comes after finishing fifth at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, even after decades at the highest level. Messi’s latest achievement came on a dramatic final day of the regular season. Inter Miami had surrendered a three-goal advantage in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC. Ian Fray, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul scored in the first half to put the defending champions in control at Nu Stadium. However, Liel Abada struck twice after the interval before Rodolfo Aloko completed Charlotte’s comeback with a 90th-minute equaliser. Messi did not find the net but supplied the corners that led to Miami’s opening two goals. The result secured second place in the Eastern Conference for Miami, who will face Columbus Crew in the opening round of the MLS Cup play-offs. Meanwhile, Nashville SC claimed the Eastern Conference top spot after beating Cincinnati 2-0 to finish with a record-breaking 77 points, surpassing Miami’s 2024 mark of 74. The MLS Cup play-offs begin on November 19, with Messi now targeting another major honour as Miami pursue a second consecutive title.