Another Golden Boot For Messi! Argentine Superstar Becomes First Player To Win Award In Consecutive Seasons

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has made history after winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player to achieve the feat.

The Argentine superstar finished the 2026 regular season as the league’s leading goalscorer with 26 goals, securing the prestigious individual award despite failing to find the net in Inter Miami’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC on Saturday.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Messi contributed two assists from corner kicks during the encounter as Inter Miami surrendered a commanding three-goal advantage to settle for a draw at Nu Stadium.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s latest achievement further underlines his remarkable influence in American football, having now become the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in successive seasons.

FC Dallas striker Petar Musa finished second on the scoring chart with 22 goals, despite failing to score in his team’s 3-1 victory over Colorado.

Inter Miami appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 14th minute, reacting quickly to a loose ball following a corner delivered by Messi.

Luis Suarez extended the hosts’ advantage in the 33rd minute with a header from another Messi corner, before Rodrigo De Paul added a third goal to give Miami a 3-0 lead before the half-time break.

However, Charlotte FC produced an impressive second-half comeback, with Liel Abada scoring twice before Rodolfo Aloko completed the recovery with a 90th-minute equaliser.

Messi came close to rescuing victory for Inter Miami during stoppage time, but his effort struck the post as the hosts were forced to share the points.

Despite dropping points, Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, securing home advantage for the first two rounds of the play-offs. The club will begin its postseason campaign against Columbus.

Meanwhile, Nashville SC finished at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 77 points after defeating Cincinnati 2-0, setting a new MLS record for the highest points tally in a regular season.

Nashville surpassed the previous record of 74 points established by Inter Miami in 2024.

New England secured third position with 58 points despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Orlando City, while Columbus claimed seventh place following a thrilling 4-3 victory over Chicago, thereby avoiding the wild-card round.