Messi MLS Golden Boot success makes history as the Inter Miami forward becomes the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons.Messi MLS Golden Boot success makes history as the Inter Miami forward becomes the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons.

Lionel Messi has secured his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot after finishing the 2026 regular season with 26 goals, becoming the first player to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

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The Inter Miami captain claimed the individual honour despite failing to score in his side’s 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC on the final day of the regular season.

He instead provided the corner-kick assists for the club’s opening two goals as Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference.

The achievement places Messi in a select group of players to have won the award more than once.

However, he is the first in MLS history to claim it in consecutive seasons. He finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22, while Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge took third place with 21 goals.

Messi’s contribution extended beyond goals. He recorded 17 assists, taking his total goal contributions to 43, the highest in the league this season.

The Argentine scored 26 times in 31 regular-season appearances, following his 29-goal campaign in 2025.

Saturday’s draw against Charlotte saw Inter Miami surrender a three-goal lead after a strong first-half performance.

Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Messi’s corner caused confusion in the visitors’ defence. Another corner from the Argentine found Luis Suárez, who headed home in the 33rd minute to make it 2-0.

Rodrigo De Paul added a third before half-time, but Charlotte responded after the break through Liel Abada, who scored twice.

Rodolfo Aloko then completed the comeback with a 90th-minute equaliser.

Messi came close to finding the net himself in stoppage time, striking the post as Miami were denied a late winner.

Despite dropping two points, the result was enough to secure second place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points.

Inter Miami will now face Columbus Crew in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs, with the club enjoying home advantage for the first two rounds.

While Messi celebrated another individual milestone, Nashville SC also ended the regular season with a historic achievement.

A 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati took Nashville to 77 points, breaking the previous MLS single-season record of 74 points set by Inter Miami in 2024.

Nashville finished top of the Eastern Conference, while Miami settled for second.

The result further underlined the club’s remarkable regular-season campaign, which included 23 wins and only three defeats.

For Messi, the Golden Boot adds another landmark to an already decorated career and strengthens his place in MLS history.

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With the playoffs approaching, the Argentine will now turn his attention to helping Inter Miami defend their league title.