Messi wins second straight MLS Golden Boot, Nashville set record

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. According to Free Malaysia Today, the 39-year-old Argentine scored a league-high 26 goals across 31 matches. Petar Musa of FC Dallas finished second with 22 goals, while Nashville SC's Sam Surridge recorded 21, according to Free Malaysia Today. New Straits Times reports that Messi's 26 goals this season make him the first back-to-back winner, noting he had 29 goals the previous season.

Inter Miami finished the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference following a 3-3 draw against Charlotte on the final day. New Straits Times reports that while Messi did not score in the match, he provided assists for the first two goals from corner kicks. The draw secured home-field advantage for the club for the first two playoff rounds, and Messi's team will face Columbus to begin the MLS playoffs.

Nashville broke the all-time MLS single-season points record by reaching 77 points after a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati, according to New Straits Times. This surpassed the previous mark of 74 points set by Miami in 2024. Free Malaysia Today notes that the MLS Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 19.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.