Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons.
The Inter Miami forward scored a league-high 26 goals this season. He also added 17 assists and led the league with 43 goal contributions.
Messi edged out FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (22 goals) and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge (21 goals) to claim the award. It comes just months after he won the Silver Boot at the 2026 World Cup while leading Argentina to the final.
A place in league history
Messi becomes the sixth two-time MLS Golden Boot winner. He joins Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki in that group.
The Argentine great, who retired from the national team this year, had 29 goals and 19 assists when he won the MLS award in 2025.
MVP race and playoff opener
Messi could also collect another accolade. He is in contention to become the first three-time winner of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. Voting closes at 8 p.m. EST on Monday night, and finalists will be announced on Thursday.
Before that, Messi and the No. 2-seeded Miami side face the No. 7-seeded Columbus Crew in a best-of-three series in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.