Lionel Messi has set a new record in Major League Soccer (MLS) by winning the Golden Boot award for the 2026 season. With this achievement, Messi has become the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons. He scored 26 goals in 31 matches, finishing ahead of FC Dallas’ Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, who finished third with 21 goals.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, has played a crucial role in transforming the club into a dominant force in the league. He has helped the club win four trophies, including its first MLS Cup title last season. Messi scored 29 goals during the 2025 season, becoming only the second player in league history to score 25 or more goals in consecutive seasons.
Messi announced his retirement from international football in August this year, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year international career. In October, he signed a contract extension with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until 2028.
The MLS Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 19. Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.
