RismadarVoice Reporters
November 8, 2026
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons after finishing the 2026 regular season with 26 goals.
The Argentine secured the award on Saturday despite failing to score in Inter Miami’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC on the final day of the regular season.
Messi finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who scored 22, while Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge placed third with 21 goals.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also registered 17 assists, taking his total goal contributions to 43 during the campaign.
His latest achievement follows an impressive 2025 season in which he scored 29 goals to claim his first MLS Golden Boot.
Messi is now the sixth player to win the award more than once and the first to achieve the feat in successive seasons.
Despite his individual success, Inter Miami surrendered a three-goal advantage against Charlotte at Nu Stadium.
Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Messi’s corner created an opportunity inside the penalty area.
Luis Suárez doubled Miami’s lead in the 33rd minute, heading home another corner delivered by Messi.
Rodrigo De Paul added a third before halftime, putting the defending MLS Cup champions firmly in control.
However, Charlotte mounted a remarkable second-half comeback, with Liel Abada scoring twice before Rodolfo Aloko struck a 90th-minute equaliser.
The result left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, securing home advantage in the opening stages of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Nashville SC established a new MLS single-season points record after defeating FC Cincinnati 2-0.
Nashville finished with 77 points, surpassing the previous record of 74 set by Inter Miami in 2024.
The club recorded 23 victories, eight draws and three defeats to finish top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Elsewhere, New England Revolution finished third in the East with 58 points after losing 1-0 to Orlando City.
Inter Miami will face Columbus Crew in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs as Messi seeks to help his team defend its championship.
The Golden Boot adds another individual honour to Messi’s career as he continues to make an impact in American football.
