Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi has made MLS history by becoming the first player to win the league’s Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.
The 39-year-old Argentine scored 26 goals in 31 MLS appearances this season, finishing four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville’s English striker Sam Surridge.
Messi is now the sixth player to win the Golden Boot twice. That group also includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton forward Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Along with his scoring, Messi recorded 17 assists, giving him 43 goal contributions for the campaign — the best total in MLS for the second successive year.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could add another piece of history by becoming the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. He won the award in 2024, when Inter Miami claimed the Supporters’ Shield, and again in 2025, when the club won the MLS Cup.
Messi retired from international football with Argentina earlier this year.
Despite his performances, Inter Miami finished outside top spot in the Eastern Conference, ending the regular season 17 points behind Nashville.
Miami will now meet Columbus Crew in a three-game first-round playoff series later this month.
