Messi makes history with MLS Golden Boot

Messi wins his second consecutive MLS Golden Boot with 26 goals in 31 appearances, becoming the first player to achieve the feat in league history.

Lionel Messi has become the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami forward scored 26 goals in 31 appearances, finishing four clear of FC Dallas's Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville's Sam Surridge.

The 39-year-old also recorded 17 assists, giving him 43 goal contributions for the season—a league-best for the second consecutive year. Messi is now only the sixth player to win the Golden Boot twice, joining a select group that includes former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Messi could soon add to his accolades by becoming the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner, having claimed the award in both 2024 and 2025 as Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup respectively. Miami will face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs later this month.