Lionel Messi set to make MLS history as he moves ahead in Golden Boot race

Messi scored his 26th goal of the season to move four clear in the MLS Golden Boot race and is set to become the first player to win back-to-back scoring titles since 2005.

Lionel Messi netted a late winner against New England Revolution to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami, moving to 26 goals in 33 league games. He now leads the MLS scoring charts by four goals ahead of FC Dallas's Petar Musa, with Vancouver's Brian White six goals back. With one regular season game remaining against Charlotte FC, Messi is on course to win the Golden Boot — which would make him the first player to claim back-to-back scoring titles in MLS since the league switched to a goal-focused format in 2005. He won the award last season with 29 goals.

former Inter Miami manager Kily Gonzalez praised Messi's performance, saying "I have no doubt that he's the best of all" and suggesting he deserved the Ballon d'Or. Messi has also won the last two MLS MVP awards and is the only player ever to win it consecutively, with a chance to make it three in a row after contributing to 40 goals in 30 appearances this season.