Messi becomes first to win MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons

NEW YORK, Nov 7 : Inter Miami's Lionel Messi became the first to win MLS' Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons, the league said on Saturday, the final day of the regular season.

• Messi scored a league-high 26 goals across 31 matches, while FC Dallas forward Petar Musa followed with 22 goals and Nashville SC's Sam Surridge recorded 21.

• He had 29 goals the previous season, becoming the second in league history to score at least 25 times in back-to-back years.

• The 39-year-old Argentine retired from international football earlier this year after 21 years but signed a contract extension with the MLS club through 2028 in October.

• The MLS Cup Playoffs begin on November 19. Inter Miami finished the regular season second in the Eastern Conference.