Messi becomes first player to win back-to-back MLS Golden Boots

Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, became the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons after finishing the 2026 regular season as the league's top scorer, MLS announced Saturday.

The 39-year-old Argentine scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists, recording a league-leading 43 goal contributions to claim the award for the second straight year.

Messi finished ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, and Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge, who netted 21.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner previously claimed the 2025 Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists.

According to MLS, Messi has become the sixth player in league history to win the award twice, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki.

The Argentine could also become the first player to win three Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player awards, having previously claimed the honor in 2024 and 2025.

Messi won his first MVP award as Inter Miami claimed the 2024 Supporters' Shield and retained the individual honor in 2025 when the Florida club secured its first MLS Cup title.

Inter Miami finished the 2026 regular season second in the Eastern Conference and will face seventh-seeded Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.