Lionel Messi secured his second MLS Golden Boot with Inter Miami by scoring 26 goals in 31 regular-season matches, finishing four goals ahead of FC Dallas player Petar Musa, Sports Illustrated reported.
The 39-year-old Argentine wrapped up the regular season on Saturday, adding another individual honor to his career since arriving in the United States in mid-2023. Five other players share the distinction of winning two Golden Boots in league history, including Bradley Wright-Phillips and Chris Wondolowski, but Messi stands alone in maintaining peak domestic dominance alongside a record of eight Golden Boots won in Spain’s La Liga with Barcelona.
Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González assessed the forward’s relentless drive following a 3-3 draw against Charlotte on Saturday, stating, “Ganó todo lo que se le ocurrió y quiere seguir ganando”, according to Sports Illustrated.
Messi accumulated 76 goals in 84 regular-season appearances for Inter Miami since joining a franchise that previously sat at the bottom of the league standings. In 2024, his first MVP campaign, he scored 20 goals across 19 matches before following up with 29 goals in 28 games during the 2025 season to capture both the MVP award and his first Golden Boot.
Lionel Messi's 26 league goals with Inter Miami, winning the MLS Golden Boot for a second consecutive year. pic.twitter.com/n81oqAfXds
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Major Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – | – | Leagues Cup |
| 2024 | 19 | 20 | MLS MVP |
| 2025 | 28 | 29 | MLS MVP & Golden Boot |
| 2026 | 31 | 26 | MLS Golden Boot |
The 2026 campaign brought heavy physical and emotional demands, featuring an Argentina national team run to the World Cup final against Spain and the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Following those events, Messi concluded his two decades representing Argentina and indicated uncertainty about his long-term playing future in a farewell letter.
Lionel Messi wins 2026 MLS Golden Boot with 26 goals#LionelMessi #InterMiami #MLSGoldenBoot #MajorLeagueSoccer #NewsKarnataka https://t.co/zEF4Vh3ohH
MLS Commissioner Don Garber highlighted the broader cultural footprint of the forward’s presence in North American soccer, noting, “La gente quiere ver a un jugador del que puedan decirles a sus hijos: ‘Yo vi jugar a Leo Messi’. Y entonces, de formas que casi desafían la lógica, él siempre cumple”, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Before league officials announce the winner of the 2026 MVP award—where Messi remains the favorite for a third recognition—Inter Miami faces the postseason. The MLS playoffs run from November 20 to the final on December 18, giving Messi the opportunity to defend the club’s league title.
Earlier coverage: Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second consecutive time
