Lionel Messi has become the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons, finishing four goals clear of Peter Musa. Inter Miami, however, could not convert his output into top spot in the Eastern Conference, ending 17 points behind Nashville before a play-off tie with Columbus Crew. According to Bbc.com.
Messi’s record Golden Boot comes with Inter Miami well adrift in the East
Lionel Messi’s return of 26 goals in 31 appearances left the Inter Miami forward four clear of FC Dallas striker Peter Musa and five ahead of Nashville’s English forward Sam Surridge. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also supplied 17 assists, and his 43 goal contributions were again the league’s highest, a second consecutive year at the top of that measure.
The achievement places the 39-year-old in select company. Only five other players have won the Golden Boot twice, among them former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. Messi, a World Cup winner who retired from international football with Argentina earlier this year, is the first to do so in consecutive seasons.
Another landmark may follow. Messi could soon become the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP three times. He took the award in 2024, when Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield, and again in 2025 as they lifted the MLS Cup.
Individual dominance did not translate into a conference-topping finish, with Miami ending 17 points behind Sam Surridge’s Nashville in the Eastern Conference. Their attention now turns to a first-round meeting with Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup play-offs, which begin later this month and will be decided over three games.
