Messi becomes first player to win MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons
Lionel Messi finishes the MLS regular season with 26 goals and 17 assists, becoming the first back-to-back Golden Boot winner as Inter Miami enter the play-offs against Columbus Crew.
Lionel Messi has become the first player in MLS history to claim the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons, the league confirmed after the Inter Miami forward finished the regular campaign with 26 goals in 31 appearances. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner finished four goals clear of FC Dallas striker Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville's English forward Sam Surridge.
Messi is only the sixth player to win the award twice, a group that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. Alongside his scoring, the 39-year-old recorded 17 assists, giving him a league-best 43 goal contributions for the second year running.
Further recognition could follow: Messi is in contention to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. He took the award in 2024, when Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield, and again in 2025, when the club lifted the MLS Cup.
Messi's individual numbers did not translate into conference dominance. Miami finished 17 points behind Surridge's Nashville and missed out on top spot in the Eastern Conference. They now meet Columbus Crew in a three-game first-round MLS Cup play-off series beginning later this month.
Supporters have focused on the contrast between Messi's personal output and Miami's league position, arguing over how much the Golden Boot reflects the team's season. Those are fan opinions rather than verified conclusions; the confirmed facts are Messi's goal and assist totals, his place in the record books and Miami's play-off matchup with Columbus.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
