MIAMI, FL (November 2026) – Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the Major League Soccer record books. The Inter Miami CF superstar has officially claimed the 2026 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi, finishing the regular season with a league-leading 26 goals and becoming the first player in MLS history to win the award in consecutive seasons.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most influential players in world soccer. In addition to his 26 goals, Messi recorded 17 assists, bringing his season total to an impressive 43 goal contributions, the highest in MLS this year.
Messi finished ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, and Nashville SC standout Sam Surridge, who finished with 21. The competitive Golden Boot race featured some of the league’s most dangerous attacking players, but Messi’s consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments ultimately separated him from the field.
The historic achievement adds another milestone to Messi’s remarkable MLS career. Before this season, no player had ever captured back-to-back Golden Boot titles. Messi now joins an exclusive group of six players who have won the honor multiple times, alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki.
His latest accomplishment follows an equally remarkable 2025 campaign, when he scored 29 goals and contributed 19 assists to secure his first Golden Boot. Across the past two regular seasons, Messi has produced a staggering 55 goals and 36 assists, further cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant attacking players in league history.
Beyond his individual scoring achievements, Messi has also played a central role in Inter Miami’s success. He earned the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award in both 2024 and 2025, helping Miami capture the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup championship in 2025.
Now, the Argentine legend has an opportunity to make even more history. Messi is once again in contention for league MVP honors and could become the first player to win the award three times.
Inter Miami finished the 2026 regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, positioning the club for another postseason run. Miami will face the seventh-seeded Columbus Crew in a best-of-three opening-round series of the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
With another Golden Boot secured and a championship opportunity ahead, Messi continues to demonstrate that even after decades at the highest levels of professional soccer, his ability to dominate remains extraordinary.
For Messi, the records keep falling — and his MLS legacy continues to grow.