Lionel Messi makes MLS history and joins EFL legend in rare feat

Messi won the MLS Golden Boot for the second consecutive year with 26 goals in 31 games, becoming only the sixth player ever to win the award twice.

Lionel Messi finished the 2026 MLS regular season as the league's top scorer with 26 goals in 31 games, clinching the Golden Boot for the second year running. The Inter Miami forward failed to score in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Charlotte but provided two assists from corners as the defending champions secured second place in the Eastern Conference.

Messi's 26-goal haul gave him a four-goal lead over FC Dallas's Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville's Sam Surridge. Beyond the Golden Boot, the 39-year-old registered 17 assists for a league-leading 43 goal contributions for the second consecutive season. He is now only the sixth player to win the Golden Boot twice, joining a list that includes former Charlton and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Messi is also in contention to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner after claiming the award in 2024 and 2025. former Inter Miami boss Kily Gonzalez has backed him for the honour, saying he deserves it as much as he deserved the Ballon d'Or. The club will face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs later this month.