Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the Golden Boot award in consecutive seasons. The achievement was confirmed on Saturday, the final day of the regular season, according to reports from Khaleej Times and BBC Sport. Messi finished the campaign with a league-high 26 goals in 31 appearances, securing the top scorer title for the second year in a row.
The 39-year-old Argentine outscored FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who finished second with 22 goals, and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, who recorded 21 goals. According to Nile Post, Messi also provided 17 assists, resulting in 43 total goal contributions, which was also the league best for the second consecutive year. He joins a short list of players who have won the award twice, including Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Despite Messi’s individual performance, Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference. Punch reported that the team drew 3-3 with Charlotte on the final day, securing home-field advantage for the first two playoff rounds. Nashville SC claimed the top spot in the East and broke the all-time MLS points record with 77 points, surpassing the previous mark of 74 set by Miami in 2024. Nashville’s victory over Cincinnati helped them finish with a record-breaking season.
The MLS Cup Playoffs begin on November 19, with Inter Miami scheduled to face Columbus Crew in the first round. According to Punch, other Eastern Conference matchups include New England against Philadelphia, Charlotte against Chicago, and Nashville against a wild-card winner. In the Western Conference, Vancouver finished second overall after defeating Montreal, while Portland, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle secured the remaining playoff spots.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, following an extension signed in October. He retired from international football earlier this year after a 21-year career. The player is also in contention to become the first three-time winner of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, having previously won the honor in 2024 and 2025.