Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has become the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. The 39-year-old scored 26 goals in 31 appearances, finishing four goals clear of FC Dallas striker Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville's English forward Sam Surridge.
Messi joins an exclusive group as only the sixth player to claim the award twice, a list that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. In addition to his goals, Messi recorded 17 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 43 — a league best for the second year in a row.
The World Cup winner could soon add another historic milestone as he bids to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. He previously won the award in 2024 when Inter Miami captured the Supporters' Shield and again in 2025 when they lifted the MLS Cup.
Despite Messi's individual brilliance, Inter Miami finished 17 points behind Nashville in the Eastern Conference standings. The team will now face Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup play-offs, which begin later this month.
