Lionel Messi makes MLS history with back-to-back Golden Boot wins despite Decision Day blank
Lionel Messi has won the MLS Golden Boot for a second consecutive season, becoming the the first player in the league's history to win the award back to back.
The Inter Miami captain ended the 2026 regular season on 26 goals, four clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa on 22.
Nashville SC's Sam Surridge finished third with 21 goals, with Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White one further back.
The crown arrived on a frustrating final day. Messi failed to score as Miami let a 3-0 home lead slip against Charlotte FC, settling for a 3-3 draw.
Lionel Messi's numbers behind a second Golden Boot
This year's tally fell short of the 29 goals Messi scored in 2025, which was the fourth-highest total ever recorded in a single MLS season. Carlos Vela holds the all-time record with 34 regular-season goals for Los Angeles FC in 2019.
Messi's creative output also remained elite. He provided 17 assists, one fewer than league leader Pep Biel.
The individual highlight of his campaign came in August, when he scored four times in a 7-1 rout of Montreal.
Inter Miami turn to the MLS Cup defence
Inter Miami now begin their bid to retain the MLS Cup, a feat no club has achieved since LA Galaxy in 2011/12. As the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed, behind record-setting Nashville, they meet No. 7 Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first round.
Messi is also chasing a third straight MLS MVP award. Before his repeat win last season, no player had ever won it in consecutive years, and Predrag Radosavljević (1997, 2003) was the only previous two-time winner. The award is voted on by media, players and club staff.
