Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second year in a row
The Inter Miami striker finished the regular season with 26 goals, leading the league in total goal contributions.
By Meera Fletcher ·
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi secured his second consecutive MLS Golden Boot award. This achievement makes him the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the scoring title in back-to-back seasons.
Messi led the league with 26 goals during the 2026 regular season. He also recorded 17 assists, giving him a total of 43 goal contributions. That total was the highest in the league. FC Dallas striker Peter Musa finished second with 22 goals. Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge placed third with 21 goals.
The award comes shortly after Messi represented Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. He led his national team to the final match and won the tournament's Silver Boot. Messi retired from international soccer earlier this year.
In 2025, Messi won his first Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists. He joins five other players who have won the award twice. Those previous winners include Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman, and Preki.
Messi is scheduled to appear at the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award ceremony on Monday night. The announcement is set for 8 p.m. EST. If he receives the honor, he will become the first player to win that award three times.
Inter Miami will begin the MLS Cup Playoffs as the No. 2 seed. They face the No. 7 seeded Columbus Crew in the first round. The two teams will play a best-of-three series to determine the winner.
