Lionel Messi Creates MLS History With Back-To-Back Golden Boot Awards

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi continued his remarkable scoring exploits in Major League Soccer (MLS) by winning the 2026 Golden Boot after finishing the regular season with 26 goals, becoming the first player in league history to claim the award in consecutive seasons. The Argentine superstar finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22 times, while Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Brian White finished third with 20 goals. The achievement also made Messi only the sixth player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot on multiple occasions.

In his fourth MLS season, Messi topped the scoring charts despite featuring in only 31 regular-season matches. His 26 goals were complemented by 17 assists, taking his total goal contributions to 43, the third-highest tally ever recorded in a single MLS season.

The 39-year-old led the league in goals per game (0.87) and also shared the lead for the most multi-goal performances, with six. He ranked second in goals per 90 minutes, averaging 0.91.

One of the most impressive aspects of Messi's campaign was his productivity from open play. Of his 26 goals, only one came from the penalty spot, leaving him with 25 non-penalty goals, the second-highest single-season tally in MLS history.

The record is held by Messi himself, who scored 28 non-penalty goals in 2025.

His latest Golden Boot also extended an extraordinary run of consistency in front of goal. After scoring 29 goals in 2025, Messi became only the second player in MLS history to register at least 25 goals in consecutive regular seasons.

Across the last three campaigns, Messi has accumulated 75 regular-season goals, the second-most by any player over a three-season span in league history. He is also only the second player, alongside Denis Bouanga, to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons.

The Inter Miami skipper's influence has extended well beyond scoring. His 43 goal contributions in 2026 made him the first player in MLS history to register 40 or more goal contributions in back-to-back seasons.

Messi's dominance becomes even clearer when viewed across the last three seasons. Between 2024 and 2026, he amassed 127 goal contributions, comprising goals and assists. That is 28 more than the next-best total, the 98 recorded by Evander during the same period.

With another Golden Boot secured, Messi has further strengthened his reputation as one of the most influential attacking players in MLS history, adding yet another individual accolade to his illustrious career.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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