Messi makes MLS history with second straight Golden Boot

Lionel Messi became the first player to win Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot in consecutive seasons, finishing the 2026 regular season with 26 goals for Inter Miami. He finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22, while Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge placed third with 21. Messi scored 29 goals when he won the award in 2025.

The award came after Miami’s final regular-season match, a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC. Miami led 3-0 at halftime, but Charlotte scored three times after the break, including Rodolfo Aloko’s equaliser in the 90th minute. Messi did not score in the match. His corners helped set up Miami’s first two goals, scored by Ian Fray and Luis Suárez, before Rodrigo De Paul added the third.

Messi also recorded 17 assists, giving him 43 combined goals and assists, the league’s highest total for the season. Reports said he scored his 26 goals in 31 appearances. The consecutive Golden Boots set a league first; he is also the sixth player to win the award twice, according to one account.

The draw left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points. Nashville SC finished first with 77 points after beating FC Cincinnati 2-0. Miami is...