Lionel Messi makes MLS history with back-to-back Golden Boot triumphs

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.

The Inter Miami captain scored 26 goals in 31 regular-season appearances, finishing four goals ahead of Dallas forward Petar Musa and five clear of Nashville striker Sam Surridge.

Messi is now only the sixth player to claim the award twice, but the first to do so in successive campaigns.

His contribution extended beyond scoring. The Argentina forward provided 17 assists during the season, taking his total goal contributions to 43 – the highest figure in the competition for a second consecutive year.

Messi can also make more history by winning the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award for a third time.

He first received the honour in 2024 after leading Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield. He won it again in 2025, following the club’s MLS Cup triumph.

Despite Messi’s outstanding individual campaign, Inter Miami did not finish the regular season at the top of the Eastern Conference. They ended the campaign 17 points behind Nashville.

Inter Miami will face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs, a best-of-three series which begins later this month.