Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second straight year with 26 goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi once again reigns at the top of MLS, taking home the Golden Boot for the second straight season. Messi finished with 26 goals for Inter Miami, taking the trophy by a notable margin.

FC Dallas' Petar Musa finished in second with 22 goals, followed by 21 goals from Nashville SC's Sam Surridge and 20 goals from the Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White. However, Messi also finished the season with 17 assists — tied with FC Cincinnati's Evander for the second-highest total in the league.

Messi's final tally came steadily across 31 total games, though the Argentine forward had six multi-goal games, including a four-goal haul in August . Overall, Miami led the league in scoring, with 80 goals scored across the season.

Following a 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC on Saturday's Decision Day, Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference standings, and will enter the postseason as a No. 2 seed. Inter Miami will be defending its title after winning the MLS Cup for the first time last season, starting with a first-round matchup against the Columbus Crew.

Nashville is the No. 1 overall seed for the playoffs after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield with a historic 77 points. Nashville has crushed opponents all season, taking just three losses while allowing a league-low 25 goals.

The Vancouver Whitecaps, who Miami beat to win the 2025 Cup, are the No. 1 seed in the West after continuing their dominance into 2026.

Messi, who has won league MVP in 2024 and 2025, will also see if he can take the title for the third straight year. The forward has a bit more competition this year, with players like White and Surridge having breakout seasons, but the seemingly ageless Messi still feels like a lock for the individual honor.