MIAMI — Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has etched his name into Major League Soccer record books once again, becoming the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.
The 39-year-old Argentine icon scored 26 goals in 31 appearances during the regular season, finishing four goals clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (22 goals) and five ahead of Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (21 goals).
With this triumph, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner becomes only the sixth player in league history to win the Golden Boot twice, joining an elite group that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Messi’s dominance extended beyond scoring. He also notched 17 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 43—a league-best mark for the second consecutive campaign.
The World Cup winner is now poised to chase further history as he bids to become the first-ever three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner, having previously claimed the honor in 2024 during Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield campaign and in 2025 during their MLS Cup championship season.
Despite Messi’s individual brilliance, Inter Miami missed out on top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference, finishing 17 points behind Surridge’s Nashville SC. Miami will now turn their focus to the postseason, where they face Columbus Crew in a three-game series in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting later this month.
