Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second-straight year with 26 goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has won the MLS Golden Boot for the second consecutive season after finishing the 2026 regular season with 26 goals for Inter Miami. He becomes the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the scoring award in back-to-back years. In addition to his 26 goals, Messi tied for second in the league with 17 assists.

Inter Miami concluded the regular season with a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC, squandering a three-goal halftime lead. The result secured second place in the Eastern Conference for Inter Miami, setting up a playoff meeting with Columbus Crew, while Nashville SC set an MLS regular-season points record with 77 points.