Messi makes MLS Golden Boot history
Loading article...
AP:
Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons.
The Inter Miami forward scored a league-leading 26 goals this season. He also registered 17 assists and topped the league with 43 goal contributions.
Messi finished ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (22 goals) and Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (21 goals) to secure the award, just months after winning the Silver Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while helping Argentina reach the final.
Messi became the sixth player to win the MLS Golden Boot twice, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki.
The Argentine great, who retired from international football earlier this year, had 29 goals and 19 assists when he won the award in 2025.
Messi could also be in line for another accolade as he bids to become the first three-time winner of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. Voting closes at 8 p.m. EST today, with the finalists set to be announced on Thursday.
Messi and second-seeded Inter Miami will face seventh-seeded Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round MLS Cup Play-offs series.