Miami's Lionel Messi first back-to-back MLS Golden Boot recipient

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star, has set a new record by becoming the first player in MLS history to win consecutive Golden Boot awards. The Argentine forward scored 26 goals during the current season, surpassing the league-leading tally. Messi is the sixth player to lead the league in goals for multiple seasons, having done so in 2026 with 43 goal contributions.

Last year, he also claimed the Golden Boot with a 29-goal campaign. His teammate Petar Musa of FC Dallas finished second with 22 goals, followed by Nashville SC's Sam Surridge with 20. Inter Miami secured the second spot in the Eastern Conference and will face the Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round playoff series. The team also earned a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the fourth consecutive year.

Messi, who retired from Argentina's national team in October, is the frontrunner for a record third consecutive MLS MVP award. If successful, he would become the first three-time recipient. Miami coach Cristian Kily Gonzalez recently praised Messi, stating, "I have no doubt that he's the best of all."