Messi claims second straight Golden Boot as Nashville sets points record on MLS Decision Day

Messi won his second consecutive Golden Boot with 26 goals as Miami drew 3-3 with Charlotte; Nashville set an MLS points record with 77.

Lionel Messi claimed his second straight MLS Golden Boot award on Decision Day, becoming the first player to win the honour in consecutive seasons with 26 goals. Despite failing to score in the match, the Argentine set up Miami's first two goals from corners in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Charlotte at Nu Stadium.

Inter Miami squandered a three-goal lead after Ian Fray, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul scored in the first half, with Liel Abada striking twice after the break and Rodolfo Aloko completing the comeback in the 90th minute.

Miami secured second place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points and home-field advantage for the first two playoff rounds. Nashville topped the conference and broke the MLS single-season points record with a 2-0 win over Cincinnati, finishing on 77 points to surpass Miami's previous mark of 74 from 2024.

The Whitecaps won the Western Conference, with Vancouver defeating Montreal 2-0 to secure second place overall and potential home advantage in a potential MLS Cup final rematch against Miami.