Messi becomes first-ever player to win back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awards

Lionel Messi has set a new record in Major League Soccer (MLS) history by becoming the first player ever to win the league's Golden Boot award in two consecutive seasons. The 39-year-old Argentine forward, who plays for Inter Miami, scored a league-leading 26 goals in 31 matches this season. Petar Musa of FC Dallas and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC followed with 22 and 21 goals respectively.

Messi had previously scored at least 25 goals in back-to-back seasons the previous year, making him the second player in MLS history to achieve this feat. Despite retiring from international football earlier this year after 21 years, Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028 in October. Messi's 26-goal season marked the highest total in MLS history, surpassing his own record of 29 goals set the previous season.

Inter Miami's final game of the regular season ended in a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC, with Messi scoring two goals in the match. In a recent statement, Messi announced his decision to retire from international football after Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, citing the recent loss of his father Jorge as a contributing factor.