Lionel Messi has achieved another major milestone in his football career. The Inter Miami forward has become the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to win consecutive Golden Boot awards. He finished the 2026 regular season with 26 goals in 31 appearances, including 29 starts.
The 39-year-old also recorded 17 assists, taking his total goal contributions to 43. This was the highest tally in the league. Messi finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals. Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge finished third with 21 goals.
Messi is now the sixth player in MLS history to finish multiple regular seasons as the league’s leading goalscorer. He previously won the award in 2025 after scoring 29 goals in 28 appearances.
His performances also helped Inter Miami secure second place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points. The club qualified for the playoffs and secured a place in the next Concacaf Champions Cup.
Lionel Messi Remains Favourite for Another MLS MVP Award
Messi’s impressive performances have also made him a strong contender for the 2026 MLS MVP award. He won the honour in 2024 and 2025. If he wins it again, he will become the first player to claim three MLS MVP awards.
Miami coach Cristian ‘‘Kily’’ González recently praised the Argentine superstar and backed him for the award.
“I have no doubt that he’s the best of all,” Miami coach Cristian ‘‘Kily’’ González said of Messi recently. “None of them can compare to him when it comes to respect for his colleagues.
“Leo at his age and what he does, from my point of view, deserves the MVP and also the Ballon d’Or. I hope he can achieve it.”
Meanwhile, Miami’s final regular-season match against Charlotte FC ended in a 3-3 draw. The team had a 3-0 lead at half-time but conceded three goals in the second half.
Messi did not add to his goal tally in the match. Inter Miami will now prepare for its best-of-three first-round playoff series against Columbus Crew, with home advantage.
