Messi wins second straight MLS Golden Boot as Inter Miami clinches No. 2 seed
Lionel Messi secures the MLS Golden Boot for a second consecutive season, tallying 26 goals and 17 assists for a league‑leading 43 goal contributions. He finishes four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa and five ahead of Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. Inter Miami ends the regular season as the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed and will meet Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. Messi becomes the first player in league history to achieve back‑to‑back Golden Boots and is also in contention for a third straight MVP award.
Key facts
- Petar Musa scored 22 goals, placing second in the league.
- Sam Surridge recorded 21 goals, finishing third.
- Messi’s 26 goals are the highest total in the 2026 regular season.
- Inter Miami finished 17 points behind Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference.
- Messi joins six players who have won the MLS Golden Boot twice.
Summarised with AI from 4 sources · Updated 21:10Read our AI policy
Why it matters
The achievement underscores Messi’s impact on MLS and its growing profile.
What changed
Anadolu Agency joined as a source
First published from CNA, Yahoo Sports and Al Jazeera English