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Lionel Messi makes history with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.
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The Inter Miami forward finished the 2026 regular season with a league-high 26 goals in 31 appearances, four clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (22 goals) and five ahead of Nashville’s Sam Surridge (21).

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The 39-year-old also recorded 17 assists, giving him a league-best 43 goal contributions for the second year running.

Messi becomes only the sixth player to win the award twice, joining the likes of Bradley Wright-Phillips.

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Last season he claimed the Golden Boot with 29 goals.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now also the frontrunner to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP, having won the award in 2024 and 2025.

Despite Messi’s individual brilliance, Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference, 17 points behind Nashville. They will face Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series when the MLS Cup playoffs begin later this month.

Messi retired from international football with Argentina earlier this year but continues to produce elite numbers in MLS, underlining his lasting impact at club level.

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